Hundreds gather for vigil in Braintree to remember slain nurse and mother

BRAINTREE, Mass. — Hundreds gathered in Braintree Monday night to honor a nurse and mother killed last week.

Laurie Melchionda’s family and friends shared memories of her with a candlelight vigil.

Her three children and husband shared a hug at the podium after sharing how they will remember Laurie.

Her daughter says she became a nurse to follow in her footsteps and hopes to carry on Laurie’s legacy.

Laurie was a nurse for 30 years at schools, hospitals and boards of health across Massachusetts.

Vigil held for beloved school nurse killed at her Braintree home Hundreds of Braintree residents gathered Monday to remember Laurie Melchionda.

One of the organizers who knew Laurie says the huge turnout shows just how much of an impact Laurie had on the town of Braintree and beyond.

“Her family obviously is devastated and their lives will never be the same, we’re here to show them that although she’s not here, all our memories will be able to be brought forward and go with them and everyone will remember her and she’ll never be forgotten,” said Robyn Houston-Bean, who helped organize the vigil.

Police say Laurie’s former neighbor dressed up as a UPS delivery worker when he shot and killed her at her front door last Wednesday.

Robert Bonang is being held until his next court appearance next month on murder charges.

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