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NJ Community Remembers Children Gunned Down In Tabernacle By Mother

By Matt Rivers, Justin Udo

TABERNACLE, N.J. (CBS) - A New Jersey mother who authorities say shot three of her children, killing two, before turning the gun on herself has died from her injuries. On Sunday evening, neighbors came together to reflect and mourn.

With candles in hand, dozens gathered at the Tabernacle Town Hall to remember the children who authorities say were gunned down by their mother, Jeanine LePage, last Thursday.

"There's no words to explain how heartbroken all of us are," says Kevin Umstead, who helped organize the vigil.

He says it's a chance for people to come together after a difficult several days:

"It's OK to cry. And that's what our kids need to see."

Most at the vigil were in agreement -- rather than focus on the crime itself, it's important to remember those who died while trying to move forward.

"If somebody dies, they'll always be in your heart," this mourner tells KYW Newsradio. "Just remember the good times you had with them."

Parents like this one say this tragedy is forcing their kids to grow up faster than they would like them to:

"We're trying to get our kids to understand something we can't even begin to comprehend."

Many of the folks who came out say they are sure their close-knit community can recover:

"We are pulling together, Tabernacle strong."

Another vigil was held Thursday night, the same day the shootings took place.

Local PTA members in Tabernacle purchased around 5,000 ribbons for local school children to wear when they return to class Monday.

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