BRIDGEWATER - The makeshift shrine of teddy bears dedicated to murdered 12-year-old Karissa Boudreau may be replaced by a permanent memorial.

 Irving has been approached with the idea of a memorial at the company's former office site on Highway 331 where Karissa's body was discovered on February 9.

 "We have received a request regarding the property in Bridgewater, which we are currently reviewing," said spokeswoman Jennifer Parker.

 She said the company will consult with local stakeholders before making any decisions.

 "In the meantime, our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of Bridgewater at this difficult time."

 Dozens of people showed up at the site at 2 p.m. on February 19, the same time Karissa's funeral was being held in Barrington.

 "I never met her, but I know she had a life with all kinds of potential … but that life was cut short," said Oakhill Baptist church pastor Percy Lake, who spoke at the gathering.

 "Today, I've been asked to say a few words, but today, words don't feel sufficient for what I feel in my heart, which is probably what you feel - grief, helplessness and anger - but I also feel there's hope."

 He said the hope is that Karissa is in a better place.

 "There is comfort in knowing that she is not suffering, she is not in pain and that she is exactly where God intended her to be - by His side."

 Shortly after police announced Karissa had been murdered on February 14, Nadine Sarty went to the site near where her body had been discovered and placed a five-foot-high sign there as a tribute.

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 "It was just something that came from my heart," she said.

 "It was the only thing here when I stuck it in the ground. It was just something I wanted to do to give people a chance to voice their feelings about how they felt. I'm just so glad people have used this spot to express those feelings and that I was able to help in some way."

 Since then, hundreds of teddy bears have been left there.

 "I knew people would come. There were people leaving teddy bears behind as we pulled out. By the time I came back Thursday night, it had already started to grow. I'm not surprised, but I am a little overwhelmed."

 Ms Sarty, who didn't know Karissa personally, also organized last week's service.

 "I needed to say goodbye to her, and I would have gone to Barrington, but that wasn't my home. My place is here in Bridgewater, so I stayed here. A lot of other people came, but even if I'd been standing by myself, I would have been here."

posted on 02/26/08