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It's been exactly one week since a Cary woman disappeared, only to be found murdered a few days later.
Nancy Cooper, 34, was reported missing last Saturday, after her husband said she went out for a morning run.
Cooper's body was discovered a few miles from her home Monday. Police have not made any arrests, or named a suspect.
Today, friends and family held a memorial for Cooper, and issued an open invitation for anyone else, as well.
Despite some sweltering temperatures, about 150 people turned out for a simple service designed to highlight the effect Nancy had on the people she surrounded herself with.
For those who knew her best, the last week has been devastating.
"I don't know what I'll do without talking to her first thing every morning," said her friend Hannah Pritchard.
But today's memorial wasn't designed to dwell on the sadness -- it was intended to show how much Nancy meant to those who loved her.
"The gift of friendship that you gave to me -- I aspire to pass it on to the friends that I have now," said another friend, Jessica Adam.
"I do find comfort remembering all of our good times," said Pritchard. "And I know she will live on in my heart, and I'm sure in all of yours, and especially through those sweet little girls, Bella and Katie."
Nancy's family has spent a lot of time in the spotlight over the last few days, but today, for the most part, they sat back to hear what others had to say.
Among those who showed up to share the memories were a lot of people who never even met Nancy Cooper, but wanted to show their support.
"It's something that really hits home," said Cary resident Cindy Veit. "And it's just something that happened that's so unfortunate."
Friends say they're trying to cope, trying to move on, but it's going to be tough because of the type of person she was.
"Nancy was our shining star, and we'll miss her very much," said Clea Morwick.
Nancy's husband, Brad Cooper, did not attend the memorial.
Her parents and siblings are heading back to Canada with her daughters, where they'll have another memorial service at Grace Lutheran Church in Edmonton at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday.
They've set up a memorial fund for the girls; people who want to donate can be made at any RBC Bank, or by mailing a check to "The Nancy Cooper Memorial Fund," care of RBC Bank, 101 Advent Court, Cary NC 27518.

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