With Lyric Cook-Morrissey's Funeral Saturday, We'll Respect Family's Privacy: Cedar Falls Editor's Notebook

Lyric Cook-Morrissey's family will celebrate her life and say goodbye to their daughter Saturday.

Lyric, 10, went missing on July 13 along with her cousin Elizabeth Collins, 8, both of Evansdale. The girls' bodies were found Dec. 5.

Their story was followed by thousands across the state and nation for almost five months during the search for the girls.

When Elizabeth's memorial service was held Dec. 13, it was a very public affair. Around 1,500 people packed Heartland Vineyard Church in Cedar Falls. The service was streamed live by local media. Patch was among those who reported on the celebration of Elizabeth's life.

Lyric's family, in contrast, has asked the media to not attend her service. We will respect that wish.

Tragedies that play out in the public eye create a difficult balancing act for reporters. Sometimes families gain strength from telling their story. From shining a light on their lost loved one. I believe that was the case for Elizabeth's family as she was memorialized. And the service offered the public a chance to gain some closure in a tragic story followed closely by the entire state. For those reasons, I am glad I was able to help tell the story of Elizabeth's Celebration of Life.

However, the wishes of the family are paramount, and their pain deserves respect. Lyric's family deserves the chance to mourn in private, as they have asked, without cameras and commentary.

Lyric's mother, Misty Morrissey, has said the service is open to the public.

"I thank all of you who have gone through this time with me and welcome everyone to these services," Lyric's obituary reads.

The service will be held Sat., Dec. 29 at Heartland Vineyard Church, 1405 Greenhill Road in Cedar Falls. The visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and the Celebration Service from 4 to 5:30 p.m.