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‘She was my soul, my half’
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Twin shares memories of her slain sister
Vikki HOPES Abbotsford News As candles flickered in the darkness Sunday night, family and friends remembered a woman with a gentle soul, beautiful eyes, a warm smile and a big heart. About 75 people gathered outside the home of Leanne Friesen for a candlelight vigil in her memory. People cried and hugged during the solemn occasion, which included many parents and children from the close-knit neighbourhood. Leanne, 40, was fatally shot last Wednesday night at her home in the 34800 block of Cassiar Court in Abbotsford. Her estranged husband, Jeff Friesen, 40, has been charged with second-degree murder and is set to make his first appearance in court today (Tuesday, Feb. 12). During the vigil, several family members addressed the crowd, thanking them for their support during a difficult time. “She was my soul, my half. I will miss my sister,” said Tammie Mack, Leanne’s identical twin sister. Also on hand were Leanne’s children – an 11-year-old boy and 12-year-old girl. “We’ll take good care of them,” a family member assured the crowd. A man responded by saying that he and the other neighbours would also be there for the kids: “We are your extended family.” “We love you!” shouted another neighbour, as Leanne’s son quietly said, “Thank you.” People who could not be at the vigil posted photos of lit candles on Leanne’s Facebook memorial page. Many of them were from Westbank, Kelowna and Peachland – the areas where Leanne grew up before moving to Abbotsford about 10 years ago. Facebook photo
Leanne Friesen of Abbotsford was found fatally shot in her home on Cassiar Court last Wednesday. Her twin sister describes her as “fun-loving, warm, bubbly, and a good listener.”
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Leanne’s twin spoke to The News on Friday to share memories of her sister.
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