A wake for Maria Niotis was held Thursday night at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church in Union.
Her mother, Foulla, spoke briefly at the end of the wake, describing Maria as a bright, ambitious young woman with a deep love for music, fashion, and beauty.
"Today I choose not to speak only of grief. I choose to speak of Maria's light. Her life may have been short, but it was powerful," she said. "She loved deeply. She gave generously. She dreamed boldly. And to Maria, my sweet girl, I will miss you every single day."
Mother of teen killed in hit-and-run in Cranford remembers daughter who had bold dreams
Maria Niotis hoped to become a makeup artist. She was preparing to graduate this year and planned to attend cosmetology school with the goal of one day starting her own business, her mother said.
Maria's mother said her impact will never be forgotten. They said she lived with love, generosity, and bold dreams, and her memory will continue to inspire those who knew her.
Mother of teen killed in hit-and-run in Cranford remembers daughter who had bold dreams
The gathering ended with gratitude from the family for the outpouring of support during what they called the hardest days of their lives.
Maria's funeral will be held on Friday morning at the church.
The wake for her best friend, Isabella Salas, who was also killed, will be held Saturday morning at the Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford. Her funeral will be held Monday morning at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
All week long, hundreds of their friends, family, neighbors and even people who didn't know them have stopped by the growing memorial on Burnside Avenue to pay their respects.
It's the same spot where the girls were run down while riding an e-bike on Monday evening.
Both girls are remembered as loving and kind.
The street-side memorial has grown so large that police have added a barricade around it to keep everyone safe while they come to remember Isabella and Maria.
"These were the type of girls that befriended my daughter, she had her issues and stuff and they were always so kind, it's the kind of people you're talking about," a parent at the memorial said.
A 17-year-old suspect was charged with two counts of first-degree murder on Wednesday and taken into police custody.
He was escorted from his Garwood home by at least half a dozen officers.
The suspect is related to Westfield Police Department Chief Christopher Battiloro who lives in the same neighborhood as the teens who were killed.
Battiloro released a detailed statement on Wednesday, also on behalf of his family, that reads in part:
"I do unequivocally condemn the actions of the accused, and like you, I demand that he face the consequences of his alleged actions in a court of law. As a law-enforcement officer, I maintain full faith and confidence in our criminal justice system, and that it will ensure he is held fully accountable. I too pray for these families. I too demand full accountability and justice. My neighborhood feels violated and we are grieving. I am writing this to let you know that I stand with you, my Cranford, friends and neighbors, and that I grieve WITH you."
The Union County Prosecutor's Office has not released further details about the case.
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