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A celebration of life will be held today in Calgary for a mother and daughter murdered in a heartbreaking incident that touched people across the country.
Sara Baillie, 34, and her daughter Taliyah Marsman, 5, were murdered last week and a 46-year-old man has been arrested in connection to the crimes. Baillie was found dead in her Calgary home on July 11 and an Amber Alert was issued for Marsman after police believed she was abducted. The little girl’s body was found on a rural property east of Chestermere three days later. Known acquaintance Edward Downey was arrested and charged with first-degree murder.
The murders shocked the nation as people around the country lent their support to the family members of the slain girls. A funeral for the mother and daughter will take place at the Centre Street Church on 2nd Street NE at 2 p.m. local time.
“Above all else, Sara was a dedicated mother with an unflinching love for Taliyah. They were inseparable and spent all their time together dancing, playing and laughing. Taliyah had just learned to ride a bike and was so proud to have completed kindergarten,” reads the family obituary for the two.
The family is asking that in lieu of flowers people make donations to the Missing Children’s Society of Canada. In living memory of the two, the family plans to plant a tree at Fish Creek Provincial Park.
More than 300 messages of condolences have been offered to the family and many are expected to show up at the funeral.
“Sending love and prayers from Niagara Falls, Canada. Words cannot express how sorry we are for the loss of 2 beautiful lives taken so senselessly,” said Cheryl Ibbotson.
“Lots of love and prayers from Halifax, Nova Scotia. A week ago I had no idea who Sara or Taliyah were, now I can not get them off of my mind. I have no words for your incredible loss but please know they both are forever in my thoughts and heart,” said Sandie Ellis.
“You, your families, your friends are all in our thoughts & prayers. We are truly sorry for your great loss. From The McMichael’s in Chatham-Kent, Ontario,” said Rachel McMichael.
“Please accept our deepest sympathy for your tragic loss of two beautiful and irreplaceable people,” said Elaine Allison from Port Coquitlam, B.C.
“Sending my sympathies to all who knew and loved Sara and Taliyah,” said Kerri in Brisbane, Australia.
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