A community healing vigil recognizing Domestic Violence Awareness Month — to honor survivors, remember those who have been lost and to come together in healing — recently was held in Apache Junction.

There were few if any dry eyes from the more than 50 people attending the Saturday, Sept. 27, event following several presentations, including one by Shannon Mayfield who told a personal story of her sister, 43-year-old Christina “Tina” Lopez of Florence, who was murdered by her husband.

“She was a devoted mother to her three sons — the kind of mom who celebrated every achievement ... and cheered them on in everything they did. She was also a daughter, our sister and my best friend. But behind the smile she was living through abuse,” Mayfield said. “Her estranged husband didn’t use his fists

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