‘She was such a sweet, nice girl’
Published 2:03 pm Friday, April 26, 2013
Friends and classmates of Lauren Schwab gather around the flagpole at Austin High School Thursday night during a candlelight ceremony in memory of her. — Eric Johnson/photodesk@austindailyherald.com
Friends, family remember student with candlelight vigil
Christian Folken dips his head in prayer during a candlelight ceremony for Lauren Schwab around the flag pole at Austin High School Thursday night.
As darkness set in and the air cooled Thursday night, about 60 people gathered by the flagpole at Austin High School to remember a 2010 AHS alumna.
“It still hasn’t sunk in she’s gone,” said Emily Weiss, a former classmate.
Lauren Elizabeth Schwab, 20, died Saturday night from complications of a pulmonary embolism, or a blood clot in the arteries of the lungs. She was studying nursing through a Winona State University program at Riverland Community College at the time. To those who knew her, Lauren was the well-liked, smiling girl who loved spending time with her friends. She had a propensity for kindness and was quick to give a hug.
Those who attended were touched to see friends and former classmates pay their respects to Schwab.
“I’m just inspired to see all the support from the community,” said Christian Folken, another of Schwab’s classmates. “She was such a sweet, nice girl and she will be missed.”
Classmate Ben Bachmeier said the vigil was fitting for Schwab as he watched people show up.
“The sense of community was really her style,” Bachmeier said. “She was friendly to everyone and she would have liked this.”
A funeral Mass was scheduled for 11 a.m. today at St. Augustine Catholic Church.
