Funeral services held for Cranford hit-and-run victim, Maria Niotis
Maria Niotis and Isabella Salas were struck and killed while riding an e-bike on Monday in Cranford, NJ
CRANFORD, New Jersey (WABC) -- Hundreds of loved ones attended funeral services for Maria Niotis at St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church on Friday.
They came to pay their final respects before she was taken to her final resting place.
"She was a wonderful human being. Lovely person. No hatred, nothing. It's a shame she's gone," said Joseph Cepeda, who knew Niotis.
Niotis and her friend, Isabella Salas, were both struck and killed while riding an e-bike Monday afternoon.
The alleged 17-year-old driver is facing two counts of first-degree murder.
Loved ones say Niotis had reported issues with the suspect several times in the past.
In a statement, the Niotis family called the suspect "a coward of a man who had been plotting this attack against Maria for months."
Niotis and Salas were both 17 years old and seniors at Cranford High School.
Salas is remembered as a very talented singer with the voice of an angel.
Niotis worked at Cake Artist Café. Loved ones say she had big dreams of a cosmetology career.
"I saw maria a couple of days before the tragedy. We had a conversation, and just like that, things change really fast," Cepeda said.
Her mother spoke out on Thursday night.
"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."
Niotis was buried at Fairview Cemetery in Westfield.
Salas' family will hold her wake on Saturday morning at Dooley Funeral Home in Cranford.
She, too, will be buried at Fairview Cemetery on Monday.
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