BETHANY ROSE CORREIRA

Bethany Rose Correira, 21, died May 3, 2003. Born at home Aug. 29, 1981, Ms. Correira grew up in the close-knit community of Talkeetna. Home-schooled until grade eight, she then attended Su Valley High School, graduating in 1999. Extremely athletic and involved in high school basketball, volleyball and track, she sported Adidas brand gear and a "can-do it" mindset. Her love of the outdoors included camping, biking, snowboarding, softball and expanded into sailing. Sailing throughout the South Pacific for a year with family friends, she experienced what many only dream of. Wanting to know God in a more personal way, she then entered Masters Commission, a year-long discipleship program, culminating with a mission trip to Thailand and Nepal. She had plans to attend University of Alaska Anchorage in pursuit of a degree in the medical field, when she disappeared from Anchorage.

Her family said, "Known for her winning smile, the twinkle in her eyes, and her great wit, Bethany's kind heart and friendly nature will always be remembered by those who knew and loved her."

She is survived by her parents, Bill and Linda Correira; brothers Jamin and Brian Correira; sister, Havilah Correira; grandparents William and Jenny Correira, Richard and Shirley Moniz; aunts, uncles and cousins; and countless special friends.

A memorial, celebrating Ms. Correira's life, will be held Sunday at 3 p.m. at Su Valley High, Mile 99 Parks Hwy.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to either Victims For Justice or Bethany's Memorial Garden, in Talkeetna.