NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Cindy Peak was remembered as a devoted mother who loved her family fiercely, a “strong” and a lifelong educator who brought out the best in her students.
Hundreds of people packed Christ Presbyterian Church on Saturday to celebrate the life of Peak, 61, a substitute teacher killed during a shooting at The Covenant School.
Photos capturing special moments in the life of her and her children decorated the church and were projected on a screen for mourners.
Peak “completely invested his life in encouraging others,” Pastor Scott Sauls said during the service. Her three favorite roles were loving mother, wife and teacher, he said.
“We will never stop missing her,” Sauls said.
“Cindy was loyal to her family and friends and loved her students and parents,” her sister Debbie Dunlap said. «But the absolute loves of her life were her husband and her children.»
Peak was one of six people killed Monday when a former student opened fire at the private Christian school. Authorities identified the victims as school principal Katherine Koonce, 60; school janitor Mike Hill, 61; and students Hallie Scruggs, William Kinney and Evelyn Dieckhaus, all 9.
Evelyn’s funeral was on Friday.
Dunlap said that Peak’s love for her children «knocked her off into another stratosphere».
“Cindy was a great mother, wise in her advice and fierce in her love,” she said, telling the church she will miss spending hours on the phone, sharing “our greatest joys and our deepest hurts.”
“She was my confidant, my best friend, my beloved sister,” Dunlap said through tears. «No one can replace her.»
Her husband, Chris Peak, said: «There is no question in my mind, in the mind of my family, that Cindy died a hero.»
Ellie Peak said her mother was «feisty» and «strong» and steadfast in her faith in God.
A online obituary stated that Peak wanted to be remembered for her love of God first, followed by her love for her husband, her three children and everyone else she considered family.
Sally Weatherly, a friend and fellow teacher, shared stories of how Peak picked her up in his “hot red sports car” and showed her around Nashville.
He said Peak had «strong opinions and great advice,» made the best banana bread, and had an infectious smile and laugh.
Peak made homemade Christmas decorations for everyone in her third-grade class, Weatherly said.
“She was a collector of people,” he said at the funeral.
The motive for the shooting remains unclear, though the police chief said «resentment» may have played a role. The 28-year-old shooter was fatally shot by officers Rex Engelbert and Michael Collazo.
Daniella Silva reported from Nashville. Minyvonne Burke from Pennsylvania.
Minyvonne Burke contributed.