MASSENA, New York (WWNY) – Lines of people filled the halls of Emmanuel Congregational Church in Massena on Friday as they gathered to honor Diana Avery, her son Thomas Bowen, his wife Tiara Bowen, and their 3 children, Joshuha, Eli, and Karmen. The family was killed in a house fire last week.
Joseph Bowen, who was Diana’s son and Thomas’s brother, said Friday was a day of love.
“We have only been here for about an hour and we have seen about 350 people from the school, from the community, from family members,” he said.
Pictures, flowers, hugs, and shared memories.
“It has been uplifting to hear how joyous and infectious their laughter and smiles and their hearts have touched,” said Joseph.
Like from the Bowen boy’s classmates. Massena Central School District dismissed school early, giving students like Nova LaPorte the chance to say goodbye. LaPorte misses her classmate, Joshuha.
“Every time I go into gym class, I get sad he’s not there. I try to distract myself and have fun so I don’t get sad throughout the rest of the day,” he said.
The Bowen family is thankful to everyone who has helped them through the grieving process. The American Red Cross provided refreshments, warm blankets, and counseling to those who asked for it.
“We need to remember at the end of every tunnel is a match, but there’s always light, and the community has shown that light will always shine,” said Joseph.
The light of the Bowen family, shining brighter than ever after receiving love from the Massena community.
