ROCKPORT – The moment of silence stretched long atop Beech Nut Hill in Rockport, Thursday, Sept. 14. Quiet tears joined the sound of crickets playing to the breeze.

More than a hundred people gathered for a gentle vigil atop the hill to honor the life of Elizabeth “Buffy” Krause, who was killed Friday, Sept. 8, in Groton, Mass.

“God bless Buffy. God bless Lexi. God bless Cooper. And God bless Orion,” one man voiced to the sky.

Before the moment of silence, another man spoke, as dusk settled around the young and old, who sat and stood under the eaves of the Beech Nut. 

Beech Hill overlooks Penobscot Bay, and Buffy’s friends have said how much she loved the spot.

“You can just imagine her, on a cool evening just like this, walking up the path,” a man said. “Coming up to this place, and looking out at the vast beauty. Then walking back down that hill, stress relieved, hopeful.”

The speaker called upon those gathered to use their healing powers for themselves, as well as for their families.

As Amazing Grace flowed in song, as the sea breeze ruffled through the crowd, and as the candles flickered, the community wept.