Tears, Laughter Shared During Candlelight Vigil

More than 50 people attended a candlelight vigil Monday in the parking lot of to remember , who died last month. 

The Grosse Pointe Woods teen had plans to become an art therapist and was in her first year of college working toward an occupational therapy degree. She had also been enjoying her first job at Kroger on Mack Avenue, where she was the first to volunteer to help a regular client who is blind shop, according to one of her co-workers. 

A slight breeze Monday night kept most candles from staying lit. Many of Wilhelm's frineds, classmates, co-workers and family attended the vigil. The group stood in a circle around the flagpole in the grassy island in North's parking lot turnaround.

They shared dozens of stories about Kara and how she influenced their lives. The stories had one common theme: Kara was a happy person who accepted everyone for who they were--problems, differences, faults and bad-habits included.

Wilhelm's tough-looking exterior was a mirage sometimes disguising her truly friendly, upbeat and welcoming personality, many said.  

Many of the stories evoked laughter among the group, including Wilhelm's mother Sandy Wilhelm. Following the vigil a few of the people sprayed Faygo pop in her memory--a well-known tradition by one of her favorite bands, Insane Clown Posse.  

The hour long vigil ended and many of the young attendees lined up to talk to Wilhelm's mother. 

by and the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. Her mother found her dead in her bed May 28 upon returning home from out of town.