Family and friends of Tessa Perry organized a vigil in her memory at Thompson’s MacLean Park June 5.
Perry, 31, who had family ties to Nisichawayasihk Cree Nation and grew up in Thompson, died in Winnipeg May 28 as a result of injuries inflicted during an assault that same day.
Her grandmother, Catherine Mercer, said during the vigil that her granddaughter, who had four children, was a very devoted mother.
“It hurts to know and to realize and to accept that her children lost their mother,” said Mercer, recalling that she had been texting with her granddaughter the night before she was killed. “It’s hard to realize that she’ll never be here with us again.”
Echo Dumas shared thoughts from other members of Perry’s family in Winnipeg, who said they wanted her to be remembered as, among other things, a great comedian with the ability to roast her friends and family in a funny but loving way.
The family also asked for people to help those who they suspect are victims of domestic violence before it’s too late.
“When we see domestic violence, do something, say something,” were among their words relayed by Dumas to the attendees at the Thompson vigil, which attracted well over 100 people. “No mother, no sister, no cousin, no aunty should be taken away like that.”
Mercer reiterated that message.
“We need to help one another, support one another. Report violence. This happens over and over and over again.”
Perry’s grandmother also had words of sympathy for the family of the man facing charges in connection with her granddaughter’s death.
“I offer prayers for you because you have brought a child of love into this world too but we didn’t know what the outcome would be so my prayers go to you as well.”
Justin Alfred Robinson is charged with second-degree murder and failure to comply with a probation order in connection to Perry’s death and was remanded into custody.
A GoFundMe campaign to raise money for Perry’s funeral, which is being held June 7 in Winnipeg, has already raised about $6,000 as of June 6.
