Memorial For Hallie Ulrich Saturday At Long Beach

SAG HARBOR, NY — Friends and family will gather Saturday to celebrate Hallie Ulrich's beautiful life.

Hallie, 22, died last week after a battle with heroin addiction.

The memorial will begin at 5:30 p.m. and last until sunset on Long Beach. Those who attend are asked to wear bright clothing to the memorial to honor her memory. Guests are asked to bring items to help build a shrine for their beloved friend.

Ulrich, a Pierson High School graduate and a gifted artist, was found on the side of a road in East Hampton last Thursday.

But despite the tragic circumstances of her death, her bright smile and beautiful life will leave a forever mark on the many who loved her, family and friends said. They paid tribute to Hallie with thoughts and memories earlier this week.

The best way to remember their talented, smiling girl is in her own words, her family said. The following is an excerpt from her college essay to Pratt Institute, where she was studying illustration:

"For as long as I can remember, I have loved to draw. When I was young, I was encouraged to be creative. My sister and I used to draw on the walls of my childhood bedroom," she wrote. "We created a whole world on those walls. We would add to it throughout the years, especially on rainy days. As we grew older, the drawings became more detailed, more realistic, and always imaginative. Through my experiences of making art throughout my life, I’ve learned that there is a real beauty in the ability to draw. I’ve found that making art is the best way for me to express myself in a positive way. I’ve also discovered that in art, and in life as well, you should never give up on yourself or your work." The piece was signed Hallie Rae Ulrich, 2013.

"Hallie spent the end of her young life fighting addiction. As a family, we are committed to her beliefs, to helping others, and keeping her in our hearts," her family told Patch.

Their first goal is to award a scholarship to a young artist for art school. The second is to empower a young woman facing obstacles to achieve higher education.

Holly Zappola said she has been forever friends with Ulrich since kindergarten. "She was my first friend," she said.

Her friend, Zappola said, was always smiling, laughing, dancing with fluidity and grace, pursuing her passion of hula hooping.

Her friend, Zappola said, was illuminated from within, sparkling with her very own magic.

"She was a radiant person," Zappola said.

Photo courtesy of Hallie Ulrich's family and friends.