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WENDOVER -- A 16-year-old West Wendover girl, murdered last week, is being laid to rest Tuesday.
Micaela Constanzo's body was found buried in a shallow grave and an 18-year-old man -- whom she once dated -- is accused of killing her.
Members of the close-knit community flocked to a public memorial service Tuesday afternoon to show their support to the Constanzo family.
On Tuesday, it was standing-room only at the Peppermill Concert Hall where family members, friends, local residents and officers from the Wendover Police Department attended her funeral service. The start of school was delayed for students until noon so they could attend the funeral.
She was many things to many people. A friend, a fellow student, a teammate, a tutor, a helping hand, a shoulder to lean on, a mentor, an example and an inspiration.
–Kim Costanzo
Even those who were strangers to Micaela and her family have joined together to celebrate her life. Mourners remembered the junior at West Wendover High School as someone who was always bright and happy and had a promising life ahead.
In memory of Micaela, many in attendance wore lime green, her favorite color. Some had T-shirts that said, "In Loving Memory, Micaela Rae Costanzo."
Micaela's family gives loving tribute
Micaela was born May 3 in Elko. She was the youngest of six girls. Many of her sisters spoke at the funeral service, all of them wiping away tears as they spoke of fond memories of her life.
"You were my rock, and I was yours," said sister Kristina Sweat. "I never got to thank you. ... Even at 16, you were the strongest person I've ever known. Even when days got hard, you never gave up, you never quit. I love you more than words can say. When I look up, I'll always see you."
Sweat's young daughter, Alexis, attempted to read a prepared talk about how her aunt Micaela would help her with homework. She talked about how recently Micaela had helped her with her science fair project that was selected to move on to the county competition this Thursday.
It was at that point that the tears took over and Alexis had to have her mother finish her talk. Her note to Micaela was signed, "Mini you."
Micaelea's oldest sister, Kim Costanzo, called her compassionate, charismatic, beautiful and innocent. She recalled how Micaela was very picky about the consistency of her mac-and-cheese, and how one of her favorite meals was a pot pie and Marie Calendars.
The way Micaela put on and wore her track shoes was the way she lived her life, Costanzo said: "Look out world, here I come and you better get out of my way."
"You may have been taken from us, but you will never leave us," Kim Costanzo said.
Emotional words were also given by Micaela's father, Teddy Costanzo.
"I loved her. She was my baby. Someone took her. Someone had no right to do that, and that matter will be taken care of later."
School honors teen's memory
Several coaches and faculty members of West Wendover High School also spoke to the audience, giving memories of Micaela in school and on the track field and basketball court.
"She was the student every teacher dreams of, the athlete you love to mentor and the friend everyone needs. We need more people like Micaela," said Justin Evans. "I hope I can live up to her expectations, her standards and share the things she has taught me."
School officials also announced the "Mickie Spirit of Friendship Award and Scholarship" during the ceremony.
Community contributes to services
Feelings of shock and anger are still prevalent, but her family is trying to focus on the girl they affectionately called "Mickey."
"It really means a lot that all of you came here because we can see how many people loved her like we did," said Micaela's sister, Delicia Costanzo. "I thank you from the bottom of my heart."
There were several musical tributes from Micaela's classmates, who wrote and performed songs especially for the service.
Two pastors, one from the local San Felipe Catholic Church and the other from the Catholic Diocese of Salt Lake, recited scriptures and the Lord's Prayer, one in English followed by the other in Spanish.
Following a reception at the Nugget Casino, a private funeral was held for immediate friends and family.
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Story written with contributions from Sam Penrod and Pat Reavy.
