BUFFALO, N.Y. — Celestine Chaney, a victim of the mass shooting at a Tops in Buffalo earlier this month, was laid to rest on Tuesday at Elim Christian Fellowship, the very church she devoted years of her live to as a faithful member of the congregation and various ministries. Many are still coming to terms with the brutal loss of such a peaceful life.

What You Need To Know

  • Celestine Chaney, 65, a victim of the mass shooting at Tops this month, was laid to rest
  • Chaney's family invited members of the Buffalo community to her service to mourn her death and celebrate her life
  • Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown officially declared May 24 as Celestine Chaney Day in the city of Buffalo

“Not only is this death unexpected, but this death happened in a horrific way,” said the Rev. Ahmad Randall, Elim Christian Fellowship director of communications. “But we believe that through prayer and through community, we can overcome this conflict that has hit our community.”

Hues of pink — Chaney’s favorite color — were everywhere, a reminder of the vibrant life she led, which her loved ones reflected on. Many members of her family and congregation commented on her infectious smile and strong faith. That faith, many agreed, helped her survive three brain aneurysms and breast cancer. The community was invited to Chaney’s service, a decision of the family that reflects the solidarity of the city within the past week.

“Buffalo is the City of Good Neighbors and we’re healing to the power of community," Randall said. "I will continuously stand on that, that community is what overcomes conflict.”

The church was filled with not only attendees, but with an outpouring of love — a true testament to the legacy Chaney leaves behind.

“People came to say their farewell to a woman that was worth the highest of honors as our bishop truly said in his statement, that she is a woman worthy of the highest of honors and today the community, along with the family, stood in concert to reiterate that,” Randall said.

The city will continue to honor Chaney's memory through a declaration by Mayor Byron Brown officially designating May 24 as Celestine Chaney Day in the city of Buffalo.