Two days after Masa Vukotic’s heartbreaking funeral service, her friends and family came together to celebrate the things she loved in life.
Those who loved ‘Marci’, as she was known, gathered in Melbourne’s Queen Victoria Gardens on Saturday afternoon for ‘Princess Marci’s Royal Parade’ – a heart-wrenching tribute to the spirit and optimism of their tragically murdered friend.
For more: Masa was a student. She was a daughter. She was a friend.
Over 500 people donned pink, frills, bows and bunny ears and carried brightly coloured balloons to celebrate the life of the ‘loving, charismatic and hilarious’ 17-year-old, who loved the colour pink, Lolita Japanese fashion and Cosplay.
Masa’s mother, Natasa Vukotic, and her father, Slavolijub Vukoti, were presented with a memorial book signed by the attendees of the event – Masa’s friends, fellow students, and others in the community who were touched by her life.
“This event is really us celebrating who Marci was, because as much as she would have loved for us to mourn for her, she also would have wanted us to come together and become stronger from this,” Melanie Givord, who organised the event, told The Age.
16-year-old Givord said Masa was a staunch advocate for victims of domestic violence.
“If this had happened to someone else, she would have been so angry about it and she would have made sure everybody knew about it,” Givord said.
Organisers of the event also asked guests to donate to Rabbit Run-Away Orphanage, a charity close to Masa’s heart.
‘Marci had a passion for animal rights and for her pet rabbit Roger, and would always love to share with the world how adorable her little bunny was,’ Givord told The Age.
17 doves were released into the sky for the 17-year old, along with hundreds of pink balloons.
Our best wishes to Masa’s family and friends in this terrible time.