Boston celebrated the life of Dawnn Jaffier Saturday, one week after it was tragically cut short.
Hundreds came to say goodbye to the 26-year-old woman, who was shot to death while participating in a parade in Boston.
The impact left by Jaffier is huge.
"She taught me how to dance," said Christina Cudjoe, a former student of Jaffier. "She taught me how to do cursive. She taught me how to play basketball."
Cudjoe was one of the many Who learned from the woman affectionately known as "Coach Dawnn." She drove all the way from Connecticut to be there.
"It was sad, but it was celebrating her life," she said.
The funeral for Jaffier was held in Boston's Mattapan neighborhood, not far from where she was shot and killed one week ago in Dorchester.
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Police say she was an innocent bystander when she was shot.
"We're here to send a message that we support the families in Boston, and also to send a message that there is more work to be done," said Boston Police Chief William Gross.
Jaffier worked with kids at City Year, the Boys and Girls Club and the Hennigan School.
While those who knew her are deeply saddened by her loss, they hope her legacy will continue.
"I hope that people remember her, and take some of what she had and use it," said coworker Deborah Greene. "Because she had a heart of gold."
"She touched a lot of people. It's just wonderful to see how much she was loved," said family member Lauren Reilly. "It's just heartbreaking."
Jaffier's impact will continue to be felt. City Year will be dedicating its year of service to her.
Eighteen-year-old Keith Williams has been charged with Jaffier's murder.
