Owego native Nicole Mathewson was a vibrant woman whose beautiful soul shone bright, but the light that shone so brightly from within Nicole was snuffed out in what can only be described as a senseless act of crime. 

Two communities have been rocked to the core following the murder of 32-year-old Mathewson. Authorities say Mathewson, who grew up in Owego, was killed in her home in Lancaster, Pennsylvania earlier this week and that two people, including a teenage boy, have been charged in her death.

Nicole's former roommate, Melissa Ehst Leaman described Nicole as: a "fun-loving, free-spirited girl" and said that Nicole "loved to bring people together...She took such joy in bringing joy to others."

Nicole's dad, Mark Mathewson, spoke with Penn Live and said that he refuses to remember his daughter as a victim.  "As much as it hurts, and as painful as the crime is, I don't want the crime to overshadow the rest of her life. She affected so many people in a positive way. She was such a joy."

On Sunday, December 21st, a candlelight vigil to honor the memory of a remarkable woman will be held at Owego Free Academy at 6pm. A limited number of candles will be available, so please bring your own candle if possible and if you happen to have extra, please feel free to bring them to share.

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