Prayer Service Held For Grandmother Killed In Taunton Rampage

TAUNTON (CBS) – The city of Taunton came together Thursday night to remember the victims of a deadly rampage. Family and friends joined for a candle light vigil and then a special church service.

Patricia Slavin, was a woman of incredible faith and compassion. Her priest at the Holy Family Church says the 80-year-old grandmother unknowingly opened the door to a killer.

"She was just a wonderful woman and just didn't deserve it," Nelly Hottenrott said. "I just can't believe it."

"Not too many around like that," said Irene Devlin. "She was a wonderful person."

Those who knew her best, say Slavin would have forgiven her killer.

"She was a very loving person," said Maureen Rose. "She would forgive him and we all do. We feel sorry for what his family is going through."

Just two days later, at a prayer service in her memory at her lifelong parish there was grace.

"We have faith and we've come for her," said Claudia Correia.

The faithful mother, grandmother, great grandmother lived her life helping those in need. Tuesday night, Patricia and her daughter Kathleen thought they were doing just that when they opened the door for Arthur DaRosa.

"Pat and Kathy's response was one of love," Father Kevin Cook said. "They opened the door to a man they thought was in need."

So many in this community want to know why and know they never will. It's why George Heath's wife chooses to remember her husband the way he lived and the way he loved.

Read: Wife Of Teacher Killed In Taunton Stabbing Rampage: 'He Was My Hero'

Heath was stabbed to death by DaRosa while trying to stop him from hurting more people inside a restaurant.

Rosemary Heath said her husband "was the happiest person you could ever imagine."

"He loved life, he loved friends, he loved people," Heath said. "He valued life. He knew how fragile it was."

A larger vigil for all of the victims is planned for Friday night at the Christ Community Church in Taunton at 7 p.m.