Amanda “Mandy” Karolkiewicz’s family announced that they’re holding a public memorial survive for her and her six children after her husband, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, killed them in an apparent murder-suicide.
The public memorial service will take place on August 24 at 11:00 a.m. at Harvest Vertical Church, Grand Haven Campus, which is located at 12900 US-31 in Grand Haven, Michigan.
The family said that the service will be open to the public and anyone who would like to attend is welcome.
“Mandy and her children had a way of making everyone feel like they belonged,” family spokesperson Emily Jones said of the upcoming service, according to WWMT. “And we want this service to reflect that. Whether you knew them for years or only knew them from afar, you’re welcome to join us, in person or online.”
Those who wish to livestream the service can do so on YouTube beginning at 10:45 a.m.
While anyone is welcome, the family asked that no one take photos, audio or video recordings on the church grounds or the venue’s parking lot as guests arrive.
“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring of love, prayers, and support pouring in from the Grand Haven community and beyond,” Jones, who was Mandy’s cousin, added. “We ask that this occasion be one of remembrance, and that the community continue to hold the memory of Mandy and the children with care and compassion as we grieve together and celebrate the joy they brought into the world.”
As Us previously reported, Kristopher, 47, killed Mandy, 39, and their six kids on July 24 before he set their home on fire and died by suicide.
Following the tragedy, many of Mandy’s loved ones have spoken out about how much she and their kids meant to their family.
“I love my daughter Mandy, and I loved those six children. In a way, I still love Kris,” Mandy’s father, Gary Anderson, told The Detroit News on Friday, July 31.
Anderson went on to say that he was still struggling “to understand the why.” though he said he was “sure that will come out in the future.”
“I have no idea why,” he continued of the tragedy. “Speculation is what I have a disdain for. It’s very clear that he did what he did.”
Meanwhile, her mom, Becky Lawwill, and her stepdad, Steve Lawwill, told Fox 17 that Mandy, who worked as a substitute teacher, “was a kind and devoted soul who loved her family and her students.”
“We treasured every moment we had with her and her six children, and words cannot adequately express our devastation,” they said. “We pray for God’s peace and comfort as we grieve their deaths and honor their lives.”
Jones also paid tribute to Mandy while speaking to WZZM 13, where she described her late cousin as “the sweetest, funniest person that you could ever meet.” Jones added that Mandy was “a light in her community” and “a light in her family’s lives.”
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