Community Gathers to Honor Jessica Cunningham After Tragic Loss

A community in Maple Ridge, British Columbia, came together on September 7, 2023, to mourn the loss of Jessica Cunningham, whose remains were discovered in her home at the end of August. Friends and family gathered outside her residence on the corner of Gillis Place and Harrison Avenue, while others joined the vigil online. Cunningham, 43, had been the subject of a missing person investigation conducted by the Integrated Homicide Investigation Team (IHIT) after she was last seen in June.

The vigil drew about ten people to the scene, with approximately fifteen more participating virtually. Krissy Rasko, a close friend of Cunningham and the event’s organizer, led the gathering. “Tonight we gather under the gentle glow of these candles to honour the beautiful soul of Jessica Anne Cunningham,” Rasko said, standing beside a framed photo of Cunningham, flanked by two orchids and surrounded by flowers and candles.

Rasko reflected on the impact Cunningham had on those around her, sharing memories of her warmth, laughter, and kindness. “Though we don’t yet have all the answers about her passing, we can find solace in God’s presence and in one another,” she stated, encouraging attendees to support each other in their grief. She emphasized that Cunningham had a unique ability to unite people, urging those present to pledge to uphold the values of love and care that Cunningham embodied.

As the vigil progressed, Rasko invited attendees to light their candles in a moment of silence not only for Cunningham but also for all individuals affected by domestic violence. She noted that while the investigation into Cunningham’s death is ongoing, it remains unclear whether intimate partner violence was a factor.

“It is crucial that we stand strong as a community to support one another and give a voice to those who can no longer speak for themselves,” said Rasko. She concluded the ceremony with a prayer, followed by the release of a lantern into the night sky, symbolizing hope and remembrance.

Reflecting on the event, Rasko shared, “It was a beautiful send-off to a beautiful soul. We still wait for the truth to come to us, until then, the light has guided her and offered us some semblance of peace.” The vigil was also made accessible online, allowing Cunningham’s family and friends from locations as far as Victoria and Edmonton to participate. “Candles lit from their homes as well in solidarity,” Rasko noted.

A representative from the Battered Women’s Support Services attended the vigil, adding a layer of support to the grieving community. Rasko highlighted the significance of an anonymous donation of $1,000 to the organization in Cunningham’s name, along with contributions from local businesses such as Long & McQuade.

In connection to the investigation, Mylie Barron has been charged with indignity to human remains and is scheduled to appear in court on September 26, 2023, in Port Coquitlam. A publication ban has been ordered regarding the case. IHIT encourages anyone with information to reach out via their information line at 1-877-551-IHIT (4448) or by email.

As the community continues to grieve, they are committed to honoring Cunningham’s legacy by fostering unity and support among themselves, ensuring that her memory lives on in the acts of kindness and compassion they extend to one another.