BEL AIR, Md. — Rachel Morin was described as a woman of much joy to her friends and family.
"Today, instead of looking at the end of her life, we’re here to remember her life and the things she gave to everyone who knew her," said spokesman for the family, Joe Murtha.
The 37-year-old mother of five was reported missing by her boyfriend when she hadn't returned from her walk on August 5, according to Harford County Sheriffs.
One day later, her body was discovered just off the Ma and Pa Heritage Trail in downtown Bel Air, a trail that was a place of refuge for Rachel in the busiest time of her life, according to friends and family.
Hundreds of community members converged on the Ma and Pa Trail, where Rachel tragically lost her life, to pay their respects Saturday.
"Bel Air and all the surrounding communities are pretty tight-knit.” Jane Hopkins has known Rachel since she was little in the close Bel Air community. "I’ve known her at so many different stages and interacted with so many different stages of her [Rachel’s] life… to just watch her grow into the person that she was."
Thursday, the police made a break in the case when they announced a new person of interest in Rachel's murder, a suspect wanted in Los Angeles in connection to a home invasion and assault back in March.
Police say the suspect is believed to be a Hispanic male, five foot nine, 160 pounds, around 20 to 30-years-old, with dark hair and a muscular build.
RELATED: Police: Suspect DNA from Rachel Morin crime scene linked to LA home invasion, assault
"As this investigation goes forward and as it spreads out throughout the entire United States, we are hoping that someone with humanity will assist and bring an end to this," said Murtha.
Rachel's mother, Patty Morin, dubbed the walk "the trail of life." Photos of Morin’s life lined the trees throughout the three-mile walk, adorned with candles and brightly colored flowers.
The ceremony opened with a few words from Patty, a pastor, and Murtha. Trish and Andy Griglock didn’t know the family personally, but called the opportunity to sing at the walk, "an unfortunate honor."
Together they performed a song called “Save a Place for Me” by Christian singer and songwriter Matthew West. The lyrics go...
I have asked the questions why, But I guess the answers for another time. So instead I'll pray with every tear, And be thankful for the time I had you here.
"Rachel loved people. She loved people, and it’s evident by all of the people that had known her or were in some way touched by her life," said Patty. "Help others process their grief by doing it together. Also, so we can walk the trail without being afraid to walk the trail."
Patty found out about her daughter the day after Rachel’s body was discovered by police. She says that she personally doesn’t t know where along the trail they found her daughter’s body. “I don’t want to know. I personally wouldn’t be able to walk it.”
Alongside Patty was her best friend, Marian Frankenhauser. “This day [the walk] marks this more because this mother had a vision to bring life and light to a beautiful daughter.”
Frankenhauser later thanked Patty for organizing such an event, stating “So the whole world can see something greater than that moment, and that Rachel is still blessing and speaking to others.”
As members of the community left the walk with hopes for justice, it's the trail of memories Rachel leaves behind that will forever remain in this tight-knit community.
RELATED: Remembering Rachel Morin
