by Karina Hunter

Balloons are released with a cheer in memory of Jamie Lee. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com 2009

Friends and acquaintances of Jamie Lee Hoban, the 18 year old from Manitouwadge who tragically lost her life in a vehicular accident, gathered Sunday at the accident site on Industrial Road where crosses, photos, stuffed animals and other mementos have been placed on the roadside in remembrance of the young woman who touched so many in the community, with a balloon releasing ceremony.

Flowers at the accident site where friends gathered to release balloons. Photo OntarioNewsNorth.com 2009

Keisha proudly wears her best friend’s jersey.

Keisha Drapeau, herself still recovering from injuries suffered in the accident, and
friend Kayla Garrett organized the event to mark the one month anniversary of Hoban’s death as a way to continue working through their grief and loss while celebrating Hoban’s life and the impact her inclusive, outgoing and joyful personality had on those lucky enough to have known her.  The two organizers had spent the preceding week collecting funds, $2/balloon, from classmates, friends, teachers and other persons wanting to take part in the memorial service and Drapeau was pleased to share that just over $100 had remained after the purchase of the balloons which she presented to the hospital as an in memorium donation in Hoban’s name.

 Heavy rain late Sunday afternoon did nothing to deter those involved from attending.  Drapeau, her siblings and her parents arrived early, to distribute  balloons to those who had pre-purchased them. After nearly an hour, the last balloons were handed out as the rain ceased and on Drapeau’s count of three, everyone cheered “Jamie” releasing the balloons. There was a long moment of silence as the crowd watched the balloons drift upwards into a grey, cloudy sky.
Drapeau thanked everyone for their participation appearing quite moved by their support and as people slowly dispersed, Hoban’s basketball team mates and closest friends were left comforting each other on the gravel roadside while the rain began to fall once again.

Submitted to The Echo and the Chronicle Journal, 05.10.09