Kelsey Burris' Friends and Family Mourn Her Passing

With poetry, photos and artwork, more than 100 relatives and friends gathered Sunday to remember the life of 16.

Burris, a sophomore at , died March 26. (A toxicology report is pending on the cause of death.) 

At Sunday's standing-room-only memorial, held in Laguna Hill's O'Connor Mortuary Chapel, Burris' mother, Kathy, shared both sorrow at her daughter's death and pride in the young woman she had grown to be. 

"I plan to live my life the way you would have continued yours," she said.  "I want to appreciate everything that nature has to offer and start to notice all of the beautiful sunrises and sunsets, notice the shapes of the clouds and how fast they move. I will find an oak tree and sit under it because that was your favorite."

Friends and classmates lined the back wall, smiling and even laughing at a slideshow recalling Kelsey's life from birth to her final days, having fun with friends. Several photos showed Kelsey enjoying nature with family and friends. And some of the drawings she created of flowers and oak trees were on display.

Kelsey's 19-year-old brother, Cody, shared a short poem he wrote for his sister, and closed saying he hoped to see her again someday. 

Several of also shared memories of the happiness she brought to their lives. All spoke of the positive impact Kelsey had on them, and of her ability to help them love others and appreciate the beauty in life. 

Many in the room murmurred in agreement when Kelsey's mother spoke of her feelings for her daughter.  

"Sometimes, my heart is beating so slowly, it feels as if it will stop," she said.  "Other times, it is beating so fast that I feel as if I am chasing after you, but just can't catch up. I know you will be in my heart forever."

Donations to assist the family can be made at any Wells Fargo Bank with checks made payable to Kathy Burris.  On the memo line, write "Kelsey Burris Memorial Fund."