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Vigil held Sunday in Pavilion for sisters killed in auto accident

By Howard B. Owens

Sarah and Gretchen Protulipac were popular with their classmates, who are shocked and saddened by their deaths Saturday in a two-car collision at Route 77 and Sumner Road, according to the Buffalo News.

Both girls were honor students and Pavilion Central School. About 100 students gathered there Sunday for a vigil, according to the News.

Sarah was a junior at Pavilion Central. Her sister was a sophomore. Both girls were well-liked honor students who were musically inclined, said Edward Orman, the school district’s superintendent. In fact, Sarah performed earlier this spring in Pavilion Central’s production of “Guys and Dolls.” She also took part in a talent show.

“She always tried to cheer people

up,” said Macy Penders, 16, who knew Sarah since second grade.

“She was a very sweet person,” said Brian Mogenhan, a senior at Pavilion Central who described Sarah as laid-back and compassionate.

Gretchen loved softball and volleyball, her friends recalled. But she wasn’t one of those overly competitive athletes.

The News reports that the girls were returning Saturday afternoon from Darien Lake, where they had gone to apply for summer jobs.

Pictures: Sarah, 17, top, and Gretchen, 16.

william tapp

all i can say its a sad day for us all to lose these girls.may god be with them and help bless there family and friends.I did not know them my self but my grand kids are good friends with both girls and thy are very upset and sad.

Apr 27, 2009, 8:36am Permalink
Karen Miconi

Yes Bill this is very sad. To the Protulipac Family, I am truely sorry for your loss. The girls are Angels in Heaven now, and have been called for a higher purpose. They are with their Lord, Jesus Christ.

Apr 27, 2009, 8:50am Permalink
Nikki Calhoun

I knew Gretchen. She babysat for my daughter. What a smart and outgoing young lady. The whole family is wonderful and sweet. God must have really needed his angels back...May the family find peace in knowing that the girls are together looking down on them.

Apr 27, 2009, 12:40pm Permalink
JT Hunt

That intersection is a death trap. Will it ever change? I drive for a living in rural OH now. There is a similar tricky intersection here, BUT the stop sign has little red flashing lights that border and blink on the sign. Almost look like X - mas tree lights. Catches your eye, even in the day. Has a solar panel that powers it. If the Buckeyes can employ such "cutting edge" technology, why not the mighty Empire state?

Apr 30, 2009, 3:27pm Permalink

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