The new chaplain of St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School led a ceremony in Harrow, Ont., Thursday to commemorate the deaths of a local mother and her two children killed in a murder-suicide.
Father Matt Kucharski blessed three recently installed “buddy benches” at the school in an emotional ceremony for community members, including members of the Walsh family. The family was part of a “huge group of friends” and all three were connected to the school.
Carly Walsh, 41, and her children, Madison, 13, and Hunter, 8, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside their home near County Road 13 in on June 20. The children’s father and Carly’s husband, Steven Walsh, was also found inside the home. Police say he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Essex County OPP launched an investigation into the deaths after officers found the bodies while responding to a request for a wellness check at the home.
Father Matthew Kucharski of St. Anthony of Padua in Harrow blesses two benches commemorating Madison and Hunter Walsh. (Windsor-Essex Catholic District School Board/Facebook)
Two benches were installed behind the school to honour Madison and Hunter. Another bench was placed in front of the school in memory of Carly, who sat on the school’s parent council.
The benches are intended to offer a safe place for community members to sit or anyone looking for a quiet space, or looking to enjoy nature in a peaceful environment.
The benches were paid for by donations from several local organizations, including St. Anthony Catholic Elementary School Advisory Council, the Harrow Rotary Club, and the Harrow branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.
The school is also honouring its former students by naming two hallways after Madison and Hunter. The children’s sports team jerseys will also be displayed in the school’s trophy case.