WESTLOCK — Bubbles filled the air as hundreds of Westlock and area residents came out to honour the life of five-year-old Lexah Makey May 28.
The young Westlock girl was killed in a car crash on Highway 2 north of Clyde on May 14, and the Westlock community gathered to remember Lexah, “a bright light,” and celebrate the joy she brought to the community.
Organizers played music, including one of Lexah’s favourite songs and local residents, families, classmates and teammates joined the Makey family in blowing bubbles for Lexah.
Louise Chartier and her granddaughter Alexis Savory, who attends Westlock Elementary School, were at the event to pay their respects to Lexah and her family, noted Chartier, while Alexis added they wanted “to honour the little girl who died.”
The Westlock Dairy Queen shared support for the family, providing pamphlets for residents to show at the restaurant when they purchase a confetti-dipped cone between May 28 and June 3, with proceeds going to the GoFundMe project in support of Lexah’s family.
The Petkau’s from Pickardville, including Susannah and Sam and their 3-month-old son Ethan, joined others in honouring the life of Lexah Makey Tuesday evening.
“We don’t know the family, but we just wanted to support them,” said Susannah Petkau.
St. Mary School principal, Vance Nakonechny, where Lexah attended, said it was great to see the large turnout and show of support for the family.
“I think it shows how a community like Westlock is able to just wrap their arms around this family,” said Nakonenchny. “Lexah was such a special little girl. Our entire community’s hearts go out to the family and I think on a day like this, there’s been lots of tears, but I think it’s important that we celebrate what a special little girl she was.”
He spoke of the impact she had at school and in the community and shared some memories of her.
“Every morning when she would come into the school, she just had this little sparkle or twinkle in her eye and she always had a smile,” said Nakonechny. “She was just such a positive person, a ray of sunshine.”
