Hundreds Pay Tribute To Castner Tuesday Night

Music, poetry and prayers were raised up Tuesday night as more than 300 people crowded Old North Church to remember 15-year-old Allie Castner on the one-year anniversary of her death.

"We are here to remember Allie," Rev. Heather Ramsey Mabrouk said. "She continues to be present and touch our lives."

Families, classmates and friends hugged while wiping back tears as they remembered the life of the Marblehead High School student tragically cut short. 

"Allie spread light, hope and joy to everyone she encountered," Ramsey Mabrouk said. "Her light still remains and we continue to see her light."

Allie's friends Peyton Weston and Isabella Camelo both spoke about what they miss about their best friend.

Weston read from a birthday card Allie had given her to celebrate Peyton's 15th birthday. 

"People come and go but no matter what, you can come to me," Peyton read from Allie's note. "You can call me or walk to my house and I'll be there."

Weston remembered how Allie used to say a family size bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Cups could fix anything.

"I know you're here with me," Weston said. "Allie won't be forgotten."

Friends Talia Lipkind and Megan Stanojev struggled to get through the lyrics of "I Hope You Dance." Their voices cracking mid-song as the audience wiped tears from their eyes.

Before the closing of the ceremony, friends and family were invited to light a candle and offer an intention quietly or aloud, as they lit the candle.

Participants were also asked to write a prayer or message to Allie on small scraps of paper left in each pew. 

"God, continue to send small miracles to remind us Allie is still present," Ramsey Mabrouk said. "Keep her present in our lives until we meet her again."

Driving rain and wind did little to deter those who came out to remember Allie.

After the service, more than 100 people met on Devereux Beach to release the intentions written at the service around a bonfire created in the sand.