University community members gathered Wednesday night in the Christ the King Catholic Center to remember Raimee Lynne Cooper.
Cooper, a psychology freshman and member of Delta Gamma, was killed in a car accident last week on Interstate 10 in Iberville Parish.
As a piano played softly in the background, members of various University sororities and fraternities exchanged hugs and tears while looking at photos of Cooper.
Emily Burris, the Delta Gamma vice president of programming, began the service by pointing out that while many in the church had not met before, Cooper had brought them together.
Rachel Troyer, the Delta Gamma president, said that although Cooper has passed away, “she is a part of each of us here today, and always.”
Rebecca Schmidt, Cooper’s big sister in the sorority, said Cooper had a “bright smiling face that no one could ever forget.”
Schmidt shared stories of keeping the fact that she was Cooper’s big sister a surprise, other people always asking if they were twins, asking Cooper to spend the night at her apartment when she did not want to be alone and Cooper always eating Taco Bell and Schmidt’s roommate’s food.
Although some audience members shed tears, many also softly giggled at the happy memories of Cooper.
Along with humorous everyday occurrences, Schmidt said she also always would remember tailgating with Cooper and her parents, taking road trips and talking about their futures on the Delta Gamma patio.
Schmidt said that while Cooper’s death is a tragedy, she has been able to take “great comfort” in the memories of the time they spent together.
Other sorority members shared their memories of Cooper, describing her as a “funny, crazy girl” who always managed to laugh and make jokes even during hard times and spread a good attitude to all who met her.
Audience members were invited to write down their memories of Cooper on small slips of paper to be given to Cooper’s family members.
Cooper’s mother, Laurie McGinnis, spoke about how close she was to her daughter and how Raimee always told her everything.
McGinnis said that although Cooper was nervous about being chosen for Delta Gamma, she had some of the best times of her life as a member of the sorority.
McGinnis said that Raimee’s friends were her friends as well, and she hoped to remain close to all who were close to Raimee.
“If you ever need a part of Raimee, my arms are open,” McGinnis said.