ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- They came to Holy Cross Church in Charlotte for a Mass of Angels and to remember 25-year-old Virginia Ortiz, and her children six-year-old Willie Nelson and Ameeya Nelson, who was just three. They died a tragic death the result of an arson fire at their home on High Street in the early morning hours of September 17th.
"Trying to make sense of Virginia, Willie and Ameeya's death is impossible," said Father Tom Wheeland of Holy Cross Church. "You cannot complete a puzzle when there are missing pieces."
Wheeland read from notes prepared by the family. They were words of love, and respect for a woman who put her life on the line to save the lives of her two young children.
"Evil came to Virginia's house and attacked viciously without warning," Wheeland said. "Is there a greater act of love than a young mother sacrificing her life to save her children?"
Wheeland also made mention of the firefighters and other emergency personnel who did all they could in trying to get the family safely from the burning home.
"Those first responders did just a wonderful job that night trying to save everyone who were devastated," Wheeland said.
Virginia's sister spoke on behalf of the family. Jasmine Meehan-Ortiz said her sister is a shining example of what a mother should be.
"I knew the minute I found out about the fire that she would die protecting her babies," Meehan-Ortiz said. "I wouldn't have expected it any other way. You did what any other mother would have done. And for that, you are my hero."
As mourners consoled one another following the service, they found comfort in remembering the kind of person Virginia was.
"Beautiful person, beautiful spirit, great mom," said Evie Ranches, the vitcim's aunt. "Whenever I saw her with the kids at the pool always great, fantastic. Proud to say I knew her."
As police continue searching for the person responsible for setting the fire, they ask anyone with information to call 911.