Family and friends of 19-year-old Scarlett Paxton gathered on Thursday night outside the Juanita Starbucks to remember the Kirkland woman, who was found dead by her boyfriend early on Nov. 30.
Mourners packed around a table covered with candles, flowers, and photos of Paxton. Many in attendance held candles, and tearfully shared memories of Paxton, who was a graduate of BEST High School in Kirkland.
“She was an awesome, wonderful girl,” said Jonathan, a friend of the woman. “She was always there for you, and would listen to you. It breaks my heart she died so young.”
Paxton was described multiple times by friends as special. Her kind disposition and goofily cheerful attitude set her apart from her peers.
“She was crazy. There were no regular moments,” said Cody, Paxton’s ex-boyfriend. “If she had a bad day she wouldn’t show it.”
Kimberly Philio spent nearly every day with Paxton in junior high.
“One day we danced in the rain and then ran home barefoot,” said Philio. “As I understand, she overcame a lot in life, but she was always happy and made everyone laugh. She knew how to be happy.”
Paxton spent a lot of time with the Philio’s, and family members described her as whimsical, free-spirited and confident. She made people feel comfortable to be themselves.
“A lot of kids dress flashy for shock value, but dressing flashy was just her. She knew the secret … she was confident,” said Mr. Philio.
“Life wasn’t scary to her at all,” said Jessica Philio. “It was all sunshine and lollipops and rainbows.”
Another friend, Cassandra Williams, remembered Paxton’s contagious smile and constant creativity. “She taught me so many things and inspired me in so many ways … Every time I was with her it was an adventure,” Williams said. “She never hurt anyone in her life, and she didn’t deserve what happened to her.”
Paxton was an artist, who played the string base. Her boyfriend, Michael, shared her last two drawings at the memorial, which she drew the Tuesday before she was killed.
Friends have also shared their appreciation for Paxton on a Facebook memorial page, which now has about 400 “likes.”
“I’ll never forget your ability to make things better,” said one friend. “You are so incredibly missed.”
A second memorial was held Saturday at the downtown Kirkland waterfront.
