Mourners in Utica honored the memory of a local elementary school principal on Monday night.  

The community lit candles for Elizabeth Gerling at Proctor Park.

The Columbus Elementary School principal was found dead in her home in the town of Marcy last Tuesday, from what the Onondaga County medical examiner says was asphyxia and strangulation. 

"She's somewhere right now, looking at us and she's so happy that all of you came,” said her son, Noah Gerling. “It just means so much to me and my family. And I know it means a lot to her. So, just, thank you all for coming and enjoy this wonderful night in honor of her." 

Her boyfriend, Jeremy Kirch, was charged with second-degree murder. He's being held in Oneida County jail without bail.

"It's important to take the positive person she was and not turn this into a tragedy, but turn this into a testimony of her life [and] a testimony of who she was," Columbus Elementary teacher Danielle Mcewen said. "And everyone who showed up here today shows that she was pure love." 

The Utica City School District says Gerling was at the district for over 20 years, first as an assistant principal at Thomas R. Proctor High School and then as principal at Columbus Elementary School for 11 years. 

"Liz had an infectious love for the work that she did each day with her students and her staff," Steven A. Falchi, assistant superintendent of curriculum, instruction and assessment, said in a statement. "She left an indelible mark on everyone that she came into contact with, which is exemplified by the outpouring of love and support from the entire community."