A place to remember Maddie, Kaylee and Xana

COEUR d’ALENE — Growing up, Shayla Anderson was friends with Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalves. They went to school and hung out together. 

“They were such big personalities,” Anderson said. “They were friends of everyone.”

Anderson misses them. 

So on Saturday, in the wind and the rain at City Park, she joined a small group to remember and honor the young women slain nearly two years ago. 

They placed flower petals on the grass and flowers near the "Bestie Bench” looking out toward Lake Coeur d’Alene which has a plaque next to it with the names, Maddie May and Kaylee Jade. Under their names, it reads “#Itsaforeverthing.” 

For Anderson, it will be a gathering point to remember Mogen and Goncalves. 

“Having a place like that to share with friends and family is extremely important,” she said.  

About 50 people met for a brief ceremony and prayers as part of a dedication of two benches, the other honoring Xana Kernodle, slain in the same attack in Moscow. Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle were University of Idaho students and roommates in an off-campus house. 

The plaque bearing Kernodle’s name includes the quote, “One of the most important things you can do in life, enjoy the ride, not the destination.” 

Angelea Navejas, who co-founded the Made With Kindness Foundation, said all three women loved the water and spent summers boating and on the beach. 

“It was important for us to have a space dedicated to the memory of the girls,” she said. “We thought, 'What better spot than overlooking Coeur d’Alene Lake?'” 

The Panhandle Parks Foundation was instrumental in placing the plaques.

Navejas offered a few words as the group stood in a circle. She said their coming together will help them find strength. 

“This is just the beginning of the light we hope to bring forward in their honor,” she said. “Together, we will keep their spirits alive.” 

Rachel Schuelke said she could only imagine what was going on inside each person there. She asked people to come forward and place flower petals in the center’s circle.

“This love that is in each one of you carries on and ripples out and is eternally living through you,” she said. 

Pastor Aaron Richner with The Cause Church offered a short prayer. He said God draws close to the broken-hearted and crushed in spirit. 

“Your victory on the cross has become their victory forever,” he said.

Kaitlyn Widmyer employed Mogen at Marmalade in downtown Coeur d’Alene and knew her at Lake City High School. 

She said it’s important to share the stories of Mogen, Goncalves and Kernodle.

“The best time is yesterday, and the better time is now,” she said. 

Adam Austin, a relative of Mogen, knew her when she was a little girl and even then, knew she was special, with a joyous smile and golden hair. 

“She was amazing,” he said. 

Faith, he said, has held the family together. 

“That's what’s keeping all our hearts beating,” he said.  

    Two people share a hug during a ceremony in memory of Maddie Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle at City Park on Saturday.

    People leave flowers following the ceremony on Saturday for Madison Mogen, Kaylee Goncalves and Xana Kernodle at City Park.
  

  

    A plaque for Madison Mogen and Kaylee Goncalaves is decorated with flowers at City Park.

    A plaque bearing the name of Xana Kernodle is dedicated to a bench looking out on Lake Coeur d'Alene.
  

    A plaque for Xana Kernodle is decorated with flowers at City Park.