Hundreds of people gathered at the Lake Harriet Bandshell in Minneapolis to remember Harper Moyski, a 10-year-old girl who was killed in the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church on August 27. The memorial, open to all who loved Harper, featured green and blue ribbons tied to benches and photo collages highlighting moments from her life.
Father Tom Hurley of Old St. Patrick’s Church in Chicago led prayers for Harper’s family, the Annunciation community, and the city. “Lord, our God, from whom human sadness is never hidden. You know the depths of our grief that we feel at the loss of Harper as we mourn her passing from this life. Comfort us with the knowledge that Harper lives now in your loving embrace,” he said.
A rabbi and close friend of the Moyski family read a poem encouraging unity and led attendees in singing: “We are Harper and Fletcher’s people. We are singing, singing for our lives.”
Harper’s parents, Jackie Flavin and Mike Moyski, addressed those present to thank them for their support. “You’ve lifted us up during the hardest days of our lives,” Mike Moyski said. “And we are so grateful.” Jackie Flavin described their recent experience as being like “dropped at the bottom of the ocean,” but emphasized how light can break through even in darkness.
She shared three lessons inspired by her daughter: “Lesson one: Be your own kind of light. Lesson two: Let your light be big. Lesson three: Light grows when we share it.” Flavin recalled an early memory from preschool when Harper confidently responded “Bad ass” when asked her name by a teacher.
The service included music such as an operatic cover of “Somewhere Over the Rainbow” and concluded with families mingling while children played nearby—reflecting how Harper would have wanted to be remembered.
An obituary signed by her parents and sister Quinn described Harper as having a strong sense of self beyond her years and enjoying trips to U.S. National Parks with her family. She had hoped to visit all 63 parks before graduating high school.
The first week of classes at Annunciation was disrupted by gunfire that killed both Harper and Fletcher Merkel, age 8, while injuring 21 others. More than 1,400 people attended Fletcher’s funeral earlier this month.
Neighbors recalled Harper’s love for her younger sister and their fairy garden that brought joy to their south Minneapolis neighborhood. Jennifer Eue, a neighbor, said: “She was incredible, so full of light,” noting how close she was with her little sister.
Harper aspired to become a veterinarian and was known for engaging conversations about fairness or injustice. Her family noted she always asked questions expecting real answers.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by a friend on behalf of the family; funds raised will honor Harper’s memory.
Her family stated they plan to remember her by “chasing sunsets, asking bold questions, and loving with everything we’ve got.”
