A memorial service for Lu Lingzi at Boston University’s Marsh Chapel on Monday night celebrated the way the graduate student lived life, not how it was taken away from her.
“(Lingzi) is gone but our memories (of her) are very alive,” eulogized her father, Lu Jun, who flew in from China on Friday night with his wife. His words were translated.
His daughter, Lu, 23, was one of three victims who died from the Boston Marathon bombings.
“She was the family’s Shirley Temple if you will,” said her father, recounting stories of how his only child confidently entertained through dancing, playing the piano and smiling – always smiling.
Jun said his daughter was never shy, gave congratulatory speeches at family members’ birthday parties on behalf of the entire family, and never wavered in her desire to study abroad.
Musical selections such as ‘Pie Jesu’ from Requeim by Gabriel Faure, and ‘Sarabande’ from Cello Suite No. 1 by Bach, were played as Gov. Deval Patrick and Lt. Gov. Tim Murray looked on.
Zheng Minhui, Lu’s classmate, also recalled her friend’s smile, “Her infectious smile… and she smiled so much.”
“She was a truly sweet girl and always wanted to express her gratitude for her friends,” said Minhui, adding that Lu had recently bought her lunch to thank her for helping her with an exam.
Jing Li, Lu’s roommate said she and Lu thought they were long-lost sisters being from the northern part of China, and having many similarities such as their passion for the piano, and being gradute students in the Statistics program.
“We both didn’t have a boyfriend… We were sad we were too busy to go out and meet some nice boys,” said Li. Lu’s name meant “wonderfulness and beauty” in ancient Chinese, said Li, which she found out after asking her best friend.
A Boston University scholarship in honor of Lu Lingzi, which was endowed this past Friday, was mentioned several times as how Lu’s dreams will live on.
“I know Lingzi needs us to be brave and strong,” said Li. “… and try to realize your unfinished dreams.”
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