CARY, N.C. – Friends and family held a public memorial Saturday to remember and celebrate the life of Nancy Cooper, who was found murdered last week near her home.

The Cary, N.C., mother was found Monday night after she had been missing for several days. Police are still investigating her death.

At the memorial, held at Cary's Koka Booth Amphitheater, family and friends shared their gratitude toward the community and shared stories of their time with Cooper.

"When I first moved here two years ago, I was a little bit lonely at first," friend Hannah Pritchard said. "Then I met Nancy and my whole world changed."

Pastor Mark Dengler, of Resurrection Lutheran Church, said he's tried to offer support to Cooper, and some sort of explanation for their loss.

"This tragic evil event -- it's not fair," Dengler said. "You know it and I know it. But even more importantly, God knows it. God knows that it's not fair."

Nancy's family and friends are asking that in lieu of flowers, people give to the Nancy Cooper fund, which will go to help with the care and education of her two daughters. Donations can be made at any RBC bank.