COUNTY - Karissa Boudreau was remembered as a little girl who loved pretty clothes, stuffed animals and helping younger children at a funeral service in Barrington February 19.

 More than 400 people packed the funeral home to pay their last respects to the 12 year old, whose body was found on the bank of the LaHave River outside Bridgewater February 9. About two dozen others stood outside near a speaker with a throng of media.

 "This afternoon we are in the midst of confusing thoughts and emotions," said Rev. Perry Ingersoll, Karissa's former pastor. "Every one of us, I believe it's safe to say, is asking the question 'why?'

 "No human sense or reason can be found in the fact that such a young, beautiful, energetic life could be snatched so quickly away before its hopes and plans had even begun to be realized."

 The 40-minute service included a slide show of the young girl's life set to Colbie Caillat's "Bubbly," which Rev. Ingersoll described as Karissa's "happy song, because it made her feel happy when she heard it."

 The minister recalled seeing Karissa in church each Sunday with her mother when the family lived together on Cape Sable Island. He spoke of her choice to become a Christian after attending church camp and of the love of animals that had her hoping to become a veterinarian.

  Two great-aunts read poems, one written especially for the child.

 "Karissa, where were you wandering we've all been pondering. My little girl lost at such a high cost. I'll never stop loving you. My love will keep you warm. You can no longer come to harm," one great-aunt read through tears.

 Among those attending the service were Karissa's father, Paul Boudreau; her mother, Penny Boudreau; Ms Boudreau's boyfriend, Vernon MacCumber; and Karissa's former stepfather, Shane Boudreau. No one spoke with reporters.

 Paul and Shane Boudreau accepted hugs and condolences from family and friends outside before and after the service. Ms Boudreau and Mr. MacCumber were among the first mourners to exit the funeral home. He then sat in a red Neon, getting out a few times to speak with friends, while she went back inside the building.

 Ms Boudreau later left in the back of a car, just before a black hearse carrying her daughter's pink coffin departed for the cemetery in Clarks Harbour.

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 Karissa lived with her father in Shelburne County last summer and until mid-November when she chose to move to Bridgewater to be with her mother.

 Ms Boudreau reported her daughter missing on January 27. After an extensive two-week search, Karissa's body was found just outside town limits in Conquerall Bank February 9. Earlier this montht, police announced that they're investigating her death as a homicide.

posted on 02/26/08