A memorial service is scheduled for Tuesday at 5 p.m. for Elisa Marie Homen, the 22-year-old Palm Coast resident who succumbed to her injuries four days after a collision with a school bus on Whiteview Parkway on Jan. 9.
The memorial will take place at the crash site, near the intersection of Whiteview Parkway and Ravenwood Drive, and will be led by Shannon Gutierrez, a family friend, with members of Homen’s immediate family in attendance. Candles will be lit, balloons will be released, and remembrances delivered.
Those who wish to attend are asked to park on Ravenwood, adjacent to empty lots there, not on Whiteview, and to wear white shirts. Contributions to help the family defray costs of the funeral can be made at the memorial.
Homen, who was originally from Massachusetts, was on her way home from a work shift at Dunkin Donuts on Old Kings Road the morning of Jan. 9 when, preparing to make a left turn onto Ravenwood, she was rear-ended by another driver. Her car was pushed in the way of an oncoming school bus. The violence of the crash resulted in critical injuries for Homen and minor injuries for several of the nearly 50 middle school students on the bus.
The school bus driver, Maria Rosa Martinez, 65, and the driver of the car that rear-ended Homen’s car, 19-year-old Brian Szmitko of Palm Coast, were also injured, treated and released the day of the crash. Read details of that day here.
Nancy Ferguson Teater says
My heart goes out to the family. We all must be more careful when driving. So very, very sad.
Brad says
So sad. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
jadobi says
I was passing through this location a few days ago. There was a group of people gathered at the site. All the sudden, some jack-wagon in a red Camaro flies by, westbound on Whiteview at no less than 80 mph. I was hoping there was a deputy there, but there wasn’t. So I followed the car and found him in his driveway, well, probably his parents driveway since he was no more than 20. This kid was clueless. Mark my words, there will be an incident with him. Needless to say, I was pretty upfront with this kid.
debbie says
so sad my my friend no longer will hear her daughter laugh or see her smile it is so sad hope the charge the other driver..it will not bring her back but maybe next time he will think
common sense says
Only knew her from the Dunkin Donuts, but she was a sweet girl with a kind disposition. Prayers to family.
Sumner Posse says
i’ll be here in MA thinking of you as i do each and every day beautiful angel …
“Memories are treasures NO ONE can steal …
Death leaves a heartache NO ONE can heal …”
Livesinpalmcoast says
Rip, prayers for her and her family
confidential says
She went to God.
I hope the family of this young mother and for the burden, loss and future of her son and husband without her will pursue legal action against the 20 year old driver that rear ended and killed Elisa!! Her family has a very winnable case.
Neighbor says
My condolences to the family and friends of the deceased. Such a tragic loss. Lighting candles is a great idea but please do not release balloons at the memorial. The balloons harm wildlife like the endangered sea turtles that nest on our beautiful beaches.
ted bundy says
RIP…GOD has her now!!!