The Town of Chapel Hill has received inquiries from the public wishing to express their sympathy and support for those affected by the tragic shooting in Newtown, Conn.
A member of the Town's legal staff with the Chapel Hill Police Department, Matt Sullivan, lost his 6 year old niece, Catherine Violet Hubbard, on Friday at the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting. The family has asked their privacy be respected during this difficult time. In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting donations be made to the Newtown Animal Center, PO Box 475, Newtown CT 06470. Donations can also be processed online: http://www.theanimalcenter.
"We send our love and support to Matt and his family," said Mayor Mark Kleinschmidt. "We hope this family and the entire community of Newtown finds peace and comfort in time."
Town Manager Roger L. Stancil sent the following email message to all Town employees on Monday, Dec. 17:
It is with great sadness that I inform you that the tragedy that occurred in Newtown, CT last week claimed the life of Matt Sullivan's 6-year old niece, Catherine.
After learning of the shooting on Friday, Matt left for Connecticut to be with his family. He has been in touch with his co-workers at the Police Department over the weekend and, through them, has asked that we allow him and his family some time to mourn. He is appreciative of your thoughts and prayers and he will spend the rest of this week supporting his sister and nephew, especially, during this difficult time. He has asked that we all keep them in our thoughts and prayers rather than contacting him via phone right now. He is checking email periodically and welcomes your message to him if you would like to send an email.
I've included Catherine's obituary below. A statement from her family, as well as a photograph of Catherine are attached to this email, too.
The Police Department will be making a donation to the Newtown Animal Center in honor of Catherine. If you would like to contribute to their donation, please send it to Marie James, Tiffanie Sneed, or Chief Blue no later than 5PM on Friday, December 21st.
It is during times like these that we are reminded of the importance of faith, friendship, and love. Matt and his family will need our continued support long after he returns from Connecticut. Please keep them all in your thoughts.
Catherine Violet Hubbard
Catherine Violet Hubbard, 6, born June 8, 2006, died December 14, during the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Her older brother, Frederick William; her parents Matthew and Jennifer; her grandparents Susan and Leo Sullivan and her great-grandmother Geraldine Russell Holden, all of West Chester, Penn.; Nancy and Earl Hubbard of Chatham, Mass.; and four uncles, four aunts, and nine cousins survive Catherine.
She will be remembered for her passion of animals and constant smile. Her family prays that she, all the students of Sandy Hook Elementary, and all those affected by this brutal event find peace in their hearts.
A wake is scheduled for Wednesday, December 19, from 4 to 7 pm, at St. Rose of Lima Church, 46 Church Hill Road, Newtown. A funeral Mass is scheduled for Thursday, December 20, at 10 am, at St Rose. Interment will follow the Mass, in St Rose Cemetery, Cherry Streent, Sandy Hook.
In lieu of flowers the family is requesting donations be made to the Newtown Animal Center, PO Box 475, Newtown CT 06470.
The Honan Funeral Home, 58 Main Street, Newtown, is in care of arrangements.
