The 73-year-old retired teacher, who was found murdered in her Lynden home last Thursday, was remembered at a service in Brantford.

People attending the service on Wednesday described Gleave as a caring, compassionate and thoughtful person, who was also a dedicated science teacher.

Bev Caskenette was Gleave's hairdresser for eleven years, she says "She was a beautiful person. She has left an impression on my life with her knowledge…We talked recipes and television shows, movies, mathematics, she helped me with my computer, whatever, you could talk so much."

Former teaching colleague Loretta Lueloff-Paralusz says Gleave never lost her cool and was dedicated to her students.

"She was wonderful, she was great. You never saw her in the staff room, she never had time for that. She was totally dedicated, totally with the students."

Many remain shocked about the brutal way in which her life ended.

Gleave's body was found in her secluded retirement home east of Brantford on the outskirts of Ancaster on Dec. 30. Police say Gleave, who lived alone, had been sexually assaulted and stabbed.

Hamilton Police Det. Staff-Sgt. Steve Hrab says "I've been doing this for quite awhile and this one ranks up there in the top."

Police continue to advise people in the area to be cautious, Hrab says "I still would recommend that and I would recommend that people with any information be calling us."

Hamilton Police are hoping anyone who had contact with Gleave in the days before her death will contact them at 905-546-4067 or 905-546-4129 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.