Fri, 16 Oct 2009 5:46p.m.
By Melissa Davies
The little girl who captured the hearts of New Zealanders has been farewelled by hundreds of people in West Auckland.
Aisling Symes was just two years old, but friends and family say her big personality and cheeky smile made her the centre of attention at family functions. Today she was, sadly, the centre of attention again.
Her sister, five-year-old Caitlyn Symes sat next to Aisling's white casket, which was draped with the Irish and New Zealand flags and the Pooh Bear given to Aisling just hours before she disappeared.
Alan and Angela Symes helped their daughter light a candle in her memory, and then began the flow of fond memories.
"For the two years of Aisling's life that I got to be a part of, I can honestly say she was my best friend," said cousin Hamish Potts.
"We will all miss her so very much," said aunt Christine Barttle. "Goodbye sweet Aisling. You were a treasure, you lit up our lives. We loved to have you on our knees."
A photo journey of Aisling's short life drew tears and laughter. Family spoke of her cheeky sense of humour.
"She's been a little monkey at times, but she was our bundle of love," says uncle David Barttle.
Her aunt Aithne Potts described Aisling's love of ducks, even though her dad is a keen hunter.
"You would think, wouldn't you, that this would upset a little two-year-old girl, but not our Ash. Instead she would say, 'shoot duck, bam bam, yum yum.'"
There were so many mourners they spilled out of the church and filled several halls, prompting an uncle to marvel at how his niece had united a community.
Among those at the funeral were Inspector Gary Davey who led the police search, and Waitakere mayor Bob Harvey.
None feel the burden of loss more than the family. Alan and Angela Symes carried her tiny body out of the church and were overcome with emotion as their final moments with Aisling came to a close.
The large crowd stood silently in support behind them for over 10 minutes.
Many of the people here today didn't even have the chance to know Aisling personally, but they are the people who spent days searching and who've shared in the family's grief.
Finally, 12 white doves were released - one by Aisling's parents - and the rest by her sister Caitlyn, who was comforted clutching a single feather left behind.
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