July 24, 1999
Web posted at: 11:51 p.m. EDT (0351 GMT)

In this story: Lauren loved opera Studied Chinese in Hong Kong Kennedy family grieves Losing two daughters RELATED STORIES, SITES

GREENWICH, Connecticut (CNN) -- In a private candlelight service, Lauren Bessette, who was killed in the crash of a plane piloted by John F. Kennedy Jr., was eulogized late Saturday as brilliant young woman with a promising future in the business world.

Prayers were also offered for Lauren Bessette's sister Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, 33, who died in the crash, and John, 38.

An investment banker, Lauren, 34, had risen quickly in the international finance, and worked for Morgan Stanley Dean Witter in New York for eight years. Her specialty was Asian investments. Until about a year ago, she was based in Hong Kong.

She had earned a business degree from the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania.

"I see her tossing that long shiny hair and hear her laughter. I sense her vitality and her strength and her love," Dr. Jack Messina said of his neice, Lauren, 34, told the mourners.

The service, at Christ Episcopal Church, drew hundreds of mourners, including members of the Kennedy family. It featured psalms and hymns chosen by the family. Some of the tributes and hymns reflected Lauren's love of opera.

Rev. Hugh Tudor-Foley said beforehand that it would be "A traditional Protestant interdenominational service."

Interior of Christ Church, where the memorial for Lauren Bessette was held

"She was a good friend, a very dear friend," said mourner Krista Trattnig, who studied Chinese with Lauren in Hong Kong and flew in from Austria for the service.

The service was "tearful and joyful," said the Rev. Hugh Tudor-Foley, one of three celebrants.

Ann Freeman, the Bessette sisters' mother, and Dr. Richard Freeman, their stepfather arrived early, along with Lisa Ann.

Mourners included John F. Kennedy's sister Caroline Kennedy, Sen. Edward M. Kennedy, aunts Ethel Kennedy and Jean Kennedy Smith, cousins Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, Maryland's lieutenant governor, Douglas Kennedy, Maxwell Kennedy, Maria Shriver, Kerry Kennedy Cuomo as well as Rory Kennedy and her fiance, Mark Bailey, whose wedding was postponed by the tragedy.

Messina said of the three victims: "Their departure has left an enormous void in all our lives and has touched the lives of millions."

Outside the picturesque, 90-year-old Gothic-style Christ Church, people gathered to show support for the family, leaving bouquets and hand-written notes.

David Dall, a former high school classmate of Lauren's, placed flowers on a makeshift memorial. Although he hadn't seen her since they graduated from Greenwich High School in 1982, he felt compelled to pay his respects. "We're here to show the family our hearts are with them," he said.

"They were beautiful people," said Idoline Kearns of Larchmont, New York, who arrived mid-afternoon with her husband, Richard.

"We feel we have an obligation to sit here, three or four hours. We're here for both families."

Others reflected on the unspeakable sorrow of parents forced to bury two children at once.

In Greenwich, the affluent shoreline town where the Bessettes grew up, memories of the Bessettes are personal. People spoke of two remarkable daughters, and the unspeakable sorrow of parents forced to bury their children.

"Devastating," said Chuck Morrell, the chief sexton of Christ Church. "Two daughters who were living life to the full. No parent should have to bear such a loss," Morrell said.

Beneath the arched red wooden doors, a hand-scribbled card lay beside a bouquet of carnations. "John, Carolyn and Lauren," the note read. "Our thoughts and prayers are with you."

Earlier in the week, a public statement on behalf of the Bessette family had said: "Nothing in life is preparation for the loss of a child."

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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