Family, friends and co-workers of Tiffany Hanna, the pilot killed in a helicopter crash in November, gathered to celebrate her life and raise money for her family.
The barbecue, organized by the aviation community, was held Thursday afternoon at the Region of Waterloo International Airport in Breslau, Ont. where Tiffany worked for Great Lakes Helicopter.
The 29-year-old is being remembered as a dedicated mother, friend and a pilot.
Her family also spoke to CTV News for the first time since the accident.
Marion Hanna, Tiffany's mother, thanked the crowed for all their support. But she says her daughter's death has been difficult to come to terms with.
"That support, it helps get you past some horrible moments…I hear a helicopter above my house and I think about my daughter."
Tiffany was killed about six weeks ago when the helicopter she was flying crashed into a storm water pond at the local airport. Student Scott Puillandre survived the crash and is recovering from his injuries.
The cause of the crash has not yet been determined.
Jo Anne Leyburne of Great Lakes Helicopter says "Tiffany was such a huge personality, so just having her presence not there every morning is sad…Her handwriting is still on the white board, her office is still there, so baby steps, we'll get there."
At mid-day, the lineup was out the door as many people gathered in support of the family.
Tiffany's sister Rachel Shelswell says "I'm proud of my sister for how many lives she's touched and how many people's hearts she's touched."
The money being raised will go directly to Hanna's fiancée and her two young sons, Tyler and Daxton.
Maureen Dennie with the Waterloo-Wellington Flight Centre adds "Everybody recognizes that, you know, you've got to be there for each other."
By the end of the event the fundraiser had exceeded its goal, raising over $10,500 to be put in a trust fund for Tiffany's children.
For details on how to donate you can visit: http://www.greatlakeshelicopter.ca/
