UNION, Maine (WMTW) - Dozens took to Crawford Pond on Thursday night to honor the life of Sunshine, “Sunny,” Stewart on her birthday. The “Paddle for Sunshine” comes after Stewart was murdered last month in Union last month.

Stewart would have been 49 years old this year. It’s a birthday that she missed celebrating by just a few weeks. Loved ones, friends and those who never met her, spent the evening remembering Stewart.

“I didn’t know, Sunny, but I feel like Sunny represents each one of us,” said Union resident Erja Lipponen.

A plaque to remember Stewart now stands on 100 Acre Island. Yellow flowers were placed near the plaque and in the water.

Her death is a scary reminder for many.

“Every woman and every man should be able to go out and enjoy nature alone without being fearful,”

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