Friends Mourn Port Jefferson Woman, 'The Kindest Person,' Who Police Say Was Shot In Murder-Suicide

PORT JEFFERSON, NY — Friends remembered the Port Jefferson woman killed in a murder-suicide, with poignant tributes on Facebook following news of her death on Monday morning.

Valerie Kopetic was found inside the Port Jefferson home she shared with her domestic partner, Paul Trefimovich, mortally wounded by a shotgun in an apparent murder-suicide on Monday morning, Suffolk police said.

One of her friends wrote on Facebook that her "heart hurts" for what happened to Kopetic, and recounted the many walks she had with her.

"You were quiet, but you left a beautiful imprint on everyone who knew you," she wrote.

She credited Kpetic for being full of kindness and having a smile "so big and bright."

"It’s moments like this that remind us how precious life is, how meaningful small connections are, and how the energy we bring into a room matters more than we often realize," she added.

"Sending love and prayers to your family and all who loved you," she wrote. "May you rest in peace."

Another woman, who took dance class with Kopetic, wrote that she lost her words when she learned her friend of many years had "passed the most horrible way."

She continued her post by saying that she is "heartbroken," and recalled how whenever she saw Kopetic there was "always a smile, always a hug."

"I don’t even have any words," she wrote. She went on to describe Kopetic as a "beautiful person inside and out," and "the kindest-person," adding, "I have to believe you were spared any pain and are in a beautiful heaven."

She ended the post with the hashtag, OnlyTheGoodDieYoung. 

Kopetic was the director of Long Island Adolescent and Family Services, a nonprofit that runs several group homes for young people, according to the organization's website.

Edward Taylor, president of the board that oversees the organization, told Newsday Kopetic was the "the heart and soul" of it and handled administrative and financial matters, as well as managed office employees and caregivers, spending her time both in the nonprofit's Stony Brook headquarters and the homes.

He described her to the outlet as a sweet lady, smart, and kind, "and completely dedicated to the organization and the children it serves."

"She was like an angel. She just wanted to help these kids ... who are at risk or not able to live at home for one reason or another," he added.

Patch has reached out for comment.

Officers called to the Oakwood Road home for a welfare check at around 11 a.m., after Kopetic, 63, failed to appear at her job, and found the couple dead from gunshot wounds, police said, adding that investigators later determined Tremovich shot her, and then fatally shot himself.

A police spokeswoman could not say who called to request the welfare check, or if there were any prior calls for the department's assistance at the home.

Police on Wednesday declined to release any further information about Kopetic's death.

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the squad at 631-852-6392.

This story will be updated. Check back later.