Eulogies for the Newtown Victims, Wednesday

Reuters
Esther Zuckerman 1,729 Views Dec 19, 2012

Once again we plan to post what we can from the funeral services for Newtown's victims. This morning Daniel Barden, 7, and teacher Victoria Soto, 27, were remembered. 

Barden was honored by firefighters, who according to the Associated Press, "formed a long blue line outside St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church as bells sounded and bagpipes played." Barden wanted to be a firefighter himself, and some of those that came to honor him came to the town from New York. 

In his obituary in the Newtown Bee Barden was described as such:

Daniel was the light of his family’s life. Adored and admired by all, Daniel touched the lives of all who knew him with his warmth, inspiring spirit of kindness, and generosity, outgoing and affectionate nature, and his imaginative play.

He loved spending time with his family, both immediate and extended, riding waves at the beach, playing the drums in a band with his brother James and sister Natalie, foosball, reading, and making s’mores around the bonfire with his cousins at his “Papa’s” house in Smallwood, N.Y. Daniel was on the Newtown soccer team and the Newtown Torpedoes swim team.

The funeral for Soto, whose heroic efforts hiding her students are now widely known, was held in her hometown of Stratford. ABC News reports that Paul Simon sang "The Sounds of Silence" at her service: 

Update: The New York Times has more details on Soto's funeral

Relatives and friends, choking or openly weeping as they spoke, remembered a young woman who on a whim insisted that all her cousins and siblings purchase cheap sunglasses before a trip to Six Flags amusement park, or who woke her college roommate with “Kiss the Girl” from the Disney film “The Little Mermaid.”

“You were the funniest, goofiest person I know,” said Heather Kronk, a cousin.

Her college roommate, Rachel Schiavone, recalled how Ms. Soto was “always up for anything.”

“When she hugged you, she put her whole heart and soul into every hug she gave,” she said.

But Ms. Schiavone also spoke of her devotion to teaching, the profession she had chosen as a little girl, and the extra mile she went for her students.

“It does not surprise me at all that Vicki died protecting her kids,” Ms. Schiavone said.

The funeral for Caroline Previdi, 6, was also held today. Her obituary reads

She was a first grade student at the school and a lifetime resident of Sandy Hook. Caroline was a member of St Rose of Lima Church in Newtown. Caroline loved to draw and dance. Her smile brought happiness to everyone she touched.

Six-year-old Charlotte Bacon was also remembered in a service attended by Connecticut officials: 

Her obituary recalls her love of pink

Charlotte was an extraordinarily gifted 6-year-old who filled her family each day with joy and love. The family will forever remember her beautiful smile, her energy for life, and the unique way she expressed her individuality, usually with the color pink. Charlotte never met an animal she didn’t love, and since the age of 2 wanted to be a veterinarian. She also enjoyed practicing Tae Kwon Do weekly with her dad and brother, where she relished kicking and throwing punches.

Want to add to this story? Let us know in comments or send an email to the author at ezuckerman at theatlantic dot com. You can share ideas for stories on the Open Wire.

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