St. Thomas teen remembered as 'unapologetically herself' as family plans public memorial service
CBC
A St. Thomas, Ont., teenager has who died in the aftermath of a crash last week is being remembered fondly by her family and the community ahead of a public memorial service being planned in her honour.
Hadley Denison, 17, died on Friday, Nov. 17, three days after the crash. Police announced the death Friday.
"Hadley was the kind of person who was unapologetically herself," said her mother, Heather Denison. "She carried a warmth that drew people in. She was always aware of others' feelings, offering a reassuring word or giving a thoughtful compliment to a stranger, simply because something about them made her smile."
Hadley, a student at Parkside Collegiate, died in hospital after a crash near the intersection of Quaker Road and Southdale Line in the Municipality of Central Elgin, in the early afternoon on Nov. 14. First responders were called to the intersection for a two-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer and a sedan.
Denison, a passenger in the sedan was taken to hospital immediately. The driver of the sedan suffered non-life-threatening injuries and the driver of the tractor trailer was not injured, police said.
Hadley's mother said her daughter's dreams involved helping others. Growing up she considered becoming a detective or a teacher, before eventually choosing teaching.
"She loved the thought of giving back and helping children the way her teachers had helped her. And truly, she had a natural gift for leading, understanding and caring for others," her mother said.
Following the crash that claimed Hadley's life, the community stepped up in a big way, Heather said.
Hundreds of messages, prayers, shared memories and stories poured in, all reminding the family they aren't alone.
"We are deeply blessed by the love shown from every corner, and it has reminded us that love wins in the end," she said.
To celebrate Hadley's life and bring together members of the community who are mourning her death, her parents organized a public celebration of life, scheduled for Nov. 22 at Faith Church at 345 Fairview Ave., in St. Thomas.
The visitation is set for 1–2 p.m., and the service to follow at 2 p.m.
"[The] service is a time to celebrate Hadley’s life — a life lived boldly, joyfully, and with unmistakable style. [It] is our way of thanking her for being uniquely her and for blessing us with seventeen years of pure, wholehearted love," her mother said.
"She adored music, so we’ve woven that into the celebration, along with a message of love, gratitude and support."
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