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WEST VALLEY — The case of Susan Cox Powell’s disappearance is still open. And as West Valley police continue to investigate credible leads in the case, this weekend her family and friends are taking time to commemorate Susan’s memory, while still hoping for closure.
Five years ago on December 6, 2009, was the last day Powell was seen alive.
Rachel Marini, a close friend of Powell, described the past five years as full of ambiguity.
“A lot of uncertainty, a lot of unknown, a lot of hoping and praying,” Marini said.
“When I realized it had been five years, I was completely amazed. In some ways, it seems just like yesterday. And when I look at pictures of her, it seems like yesterday we were hanging out and the boys were alive and well," Marini said.
Following Powell’s disappearance, vigils and searches were conducted for her, as a shroud of suspicion continuously hung over her husband, Josh Powell, during this period.
Josh Powell died in February 2012, killing himself and the couple's two sons in Washington State.
"It feels like yesterday that she went missing and, it also feels like a lifetime. So, for me it's a tremendous let down because we failed them. We failed to find Susan and we failed to keep Charlie and Braden safe," Debbie Caldwell, childcare provider of Braden and Charlie and friend of Susan's.
Susan was always about service and helping others. She loved her kids. And she loved her kids. So we have always tried to focus on ways we could help other kids.
–Debbie Caldwell, childcare provider and friend of Susan Powell
That tragedy, only adds to the hurt for Susan Powell's friends, who still hold out hope someday she will be found.
“Every time they find a body somewhere there is always that hope, that maybe it is Susan and we will get the answers that we need,” Marini said.
This time of year has become an emotional time as Powell’s friends take time to think about what really happened to her.
“These anniversaries, and Susan's birthday, it comes to mind more, but she is always there in the back of our mind and we are always praying for peace and closure for Chuck and Judy,” Marini said.
The only public event to honor Powell's memory will be held Saturday night at 7 p.m., at the Christmas Box Angel statue in the Salt Lake Cemetery on 200 N St. Salt Lake City. The location of the event is also a significant place for Susan's friends and family, given Susan's life of service and especial love for her children.
"Susan was always about service and helping others. She loved her kids. And she loved her kids. So we have always tried to focus on ways we could help other kids. We have always tried to focus on ways we could help other kids," Caldwell said. "And it just so happened that the day Susan went missing on the 6th of December coincides with the Christmas Box vigil in the cemetery...We try to gather donations from time to time and give it to the Christmas Box House which are primarily for children who have been taken and placed there for their protection."
A candlelight healing ceremony will include a few memories and a moment of silence. Those who attend are invited to bring a white flower.
Contributing: Sara Jarman
