She was a beautiful young girl who loved to sing, talk on the phone and volunteered at her local church. She was a popular teenager who loved kids and always made sure to be kind to her friends.
Stefanie Rengel's family and friends remembered the slain teen Sunday afternoon with touching stories at her funeral service.
"Stef died because she was a kind, trusting and forgiving person," her mother, Patricia Hung, told the crowd. "That was my Stefanie and I was very proud of her."
The 14-year-old is the the daughter of Toronto police officers and was honoured by a heavy police presence at her funeral.
Stefanie's casket was carried by uniformed police officers in front of hundreds of people who crowded the Presteign Avenue church to say goodbye one last time.
Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair was among one of the people who came to pay their respect.
Her murder on New Year's Day shocked the city as she was left lying in the snow, bleeding to death from stab wounds.
Two other teens have been charged with her murder.
Stefanie's friends said the murder was the result of a love-triangle and teenage jealousy.
"Many of Stef's classmates will tell you she enriched their lives with her friendliness, outgoing nature and her kindness," said the teen's grade nine science teacher.
"She was an amazing happy person always trying to cheer everyone else up," Stefanie's cousin said.
Rev. Scott Patton said when he heard about the teen's "senseless" murder he felt his faith being tested.
"We need to express anger at those who could carry out such a terrible act," he told the crowd of mourners. "We need to express anger that Stef's life was taken so tragically."
More than 400 friends, family and acquaintances took part in a candlelight vigil and silent walk through Rengel's community on Friday night.
When the procession reached the teen's house, her parents and stepparents embraced on the front steps and thanked the crowd for attending.
Rengel's mother is a police sergeant and her stepfather is an Emergency Task Force officer. Her father and stepmother also work for the Toronto Police Service, as court officers.
A 15-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy have been charged with first-degree murder. They cannot be identified under the Youth Criminal Justice Act.
The accused have been remanded in custody until Jan. 16, when they will appear in court via video.
