Local Voices

Hundreds Say Goodbye To Long Valley Veterinarian At Visitation

A tribute wall and keepsake book have been created to honor the slain veterinarian's memory.

LONG VALLEY, NJ — Services were held for Long Valley veterinarian Lauren Semanchik this weekend, and the community came out in numbers to honor her.

On Saturday, a visitation at Kearns Funeral Home in Whitehouse Station resulted in a line wrapping around the building. Family, friends, clients, and others came out to show support for the 33-year-old, who was tragically killed the week before.

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Find out what's happening in Long Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Reports show that the family of Tyler Webb, Semanchik’s boyfriend, who was also killed, attended the visitation. Webb’s firefighter co-workers were also reportedly in attendance.

An online tribute wall has been launched, with loved ones and friends writing condolences and memories about Semanchik.

Find out what's happening in Long Valleyfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

“Dr. Lauren helped me and my family say goodbye to our beloved cat, Cleopatra, in December of 2020,” one client wrote. “We were in the throes of the COVID quarantine and she offered kindness, compassion and professional assistance. I think of her as an angel giving us confident guidance that everything was going to be OK. We will never forget her kindness during this difficult time and we are so very sorry that she was not given the same gift and that her final moments were not peaceful ones.”

A keepsake book is also being developed for Semanchik’s family and friends, containing fond memories, anecdotes, and tributes of the well-remembered veterinarian.

"I am deeply sorry for the loss of this beautiful young woman. Dr Lauren touched many lives with her compassion and kindness to people and animals," one keepsake book contributor wrote. "My condolences to all her family and friends. May her memories bring all that knew her peace and comfort."

A memorial has been established outside Semanchik’s place of work, the Long Valley Animal Hospital, displaying photos, plushies, flowers, and more to honor her.

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