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Memorial honors victim in Coral Ridge Mall shooting
IOWA CITY - Teal ribbons and turquoise hearts will decorate the pillars outside the Children's Museum in the Coral Ridge Mall for a while. The hearts hold messages written by family, friends and community members to honor Andrea Farrington, who was shot and killed in the mall Friday evening.
Farrington, who worked in the Children's Museum as a guest experience specialist and ‘playologist,' was remembered Sunday morning by her immediate family and those who worked with her.
Deb Dunkhase, the executive director of the museum, talked about Andrea's positivity and creativity, commenting on how she would come in with purple hair one day and pink the next.
'She was an amazing, incredible person. We loved having her,” Dunkhase said. 'But Andrea wasn't just an employee … we are a real family.”
Andrea's favorite color was teal, prompting the staff to decorate in that color in her honor. Andrea's co-workers also created a sculpture for people to tie ribbons on in remembrance.
Dunkhase said while Andrea was friends with everyone on staff, she bonded most with Peter, the museum's turtle. The exhibit with Peter will be dedicated to Andrea's memory.
'Hopefully when everyone comes in the museum again, they can stop and think [of her],” Dunkhase said.
Wayne Heffner, with LIFEchurch in North Liberty, gave a prayer at Sunday's memorial, which also featured remarks from Coralville Mayor John Lundell and mall general manager Monica Nadeau.
'I am reminded of the impact she had on people,” Nadeau said. '[Her family] will leave here today knowing we all have Andrea in our hearts.”
Following the speeches, the large crowd lit candles and stood for a moment of silence.
Farrington was shot three times in the back near the food court by 22-year-old mall security guard Alexander Kozak Friday around 7:30, police said. Kozak faces one count of first-degree murder, a Class A felony that has an automatic life sentence. His bail was set at $10 million cash.
The mall was closed after the shooting, though several anchor stores were open Saturday. It reopened at 11:00 Sunday morning for normal shopping hours.
Flowers surround a picture of Andrea Farrington after a memorial service for her outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Friends, family, and community members hold candles as 'I Hope You Dance' is played during a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Friends, family, and community members hold candles as 'I Hope You Dance' is played during a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Friends, family, and community members leave heart shaped notes on a pillar after a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Friends, family, and community members bow their heads for a prayer by Pastor Wayne Heffner during a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
An attendee wipes tears from her eyes during a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Two people hug before a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
Two people hug before a memorial service for Andrea Farrington outside The Iowa Children's Museum in Coral Ridge Mall in Coralville on Sunday, June 14, 2015. Farrington, who worked at the museum, was shot and killed at the mall on Friday. (Stephen Mally/The Gazette)
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