A candlelight vigil will be held in downtown Sarnia to honour the memory of a local woman, whose death was made public over the past few years during the subsequent trial of her common-law partner.
Cheryl VanHuizen died on December 31, 2020, at the age of 51.
In her obituary, she was described as a proud mother of two, who had a "fun-loving" and caring personality.
On December 20, 2023, a jury found Shawn Trowbridge to be not guilty in VanHuizen's death.
Despite the verdict, those close to her felt "justice was not served" and have organized a vigil to take place this weekend.
"In memory of Cheryl VanHuizen, we will be having a candlelight vigil to honour the beautiful person she was. We are welcoming everyone that knew and loved Cheryl, to walk with us and express deep sorrow that justice was not served. To bring attention to violence against women," read a dedicated Facebook page.
Participants will meet at Sarnia City Hall on Saturday, January 6 at 6:30 p.m. A walk will then follow to George Street, down Front Street, down Derby Lane, and back to Christina Street.
Guests will be able to purchase candles and shirts, with proceeds supporting victims and survivors of domestic abuse. Representatives from the Women's Interval Home and Sexual Assault Survivor's Centre will be in attendance.
