HUGHESVILLE, Pa. — From her days in the Civil Air Patrol to her unforgettable smile, dozens of friends and family members gathered Thursday night at Hughesville Junior Senior High School to celebrate the life of Maisie Bitler.
"Knowing that we had so many good memories in band together, and she was part of the band family since like fifth grade kind of feels like a dream." said Naomi Buynak of Hughesville
"It just shows not only how great the community is but how amazing Maisie was, I mean she put a light on this community and the amount of people who are here I just kind of proves that." said Arielle Finnegan, also of Hughesville.
Candles flickered across the parking lot as some shared stories of the 17-year-old who was tragically killed last Thursday after the plane she was piloting crashed in a wooded area near lock haven.
"When she left on the Fourth of July to go fly she kissed her mom goodbye she doesn't usually do that." said Kate Bowman, Maisie Bitler's grandmother.
Bowman, known as Nana, says Maisie's time on earth was not wasted, but packed full of adventure, kindness and much more.
"There's so many memories of Maisie, and so many people that loved her. We're going to keep her memory life for a long time." she said.
The ceremony ended with a lantern lighting ceremony.
The lantern, covered with the names of family and friends flying high into the sky.
It's a place where Maisie will forever be watching over them.
"She was just a very amazing person and everybody here tonight knows that she's got her wings spread and she's flying high. She's doing what she loves." said Christopher Hilton, former Civil Air Patrol Commander.
An investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board into what caused that deadly plane crash is still on going.