Tricia Asselin, who was killed in the Lewiston mass shooting, is remembered

AUBURN, Maine – Nearly a year after Tricia Johnson-Asselin was killed in the Lewiston tragedy, her impact is still felt as dozens of people honored her life in Auburn on Saturday.

At VFW Post 1603, friends and family members gathered to reminisce through photos and share memories of the time they knew Asselin.

“Just knowing her makes you better. She's a soft-hearted person,” said Steven Cornish, who knew Asselin when they were growing up as teenagers.

Asselin was among the 18 people killed in the shooting on October 25, 2023. Asselin's sister, Bobbi Nichols, was with her that evening and said she wanted to keep her sister's memory alive.

“Today she was able to be with her friends and family,” Nichols said. “She's here in spirit. I feel her. I know she's here.”

Those who worked with Nichols said she always gave 100 percent of her energy to those who needed her help.

“We all need to meet someone like her in our lives, someone full of energy and positivity,” said Bob LaFleur, who worked with Asselin for several years. “When we look around the world today, we don't see anything like that.”

Asselin's mother, Alicia Lachance, said her daughter always gave back to the community around her in her free time.

“She put up the gift tree every year for the Make-a-Wish Foundation. … She did a lot of good in this world,” Lachance said.

To continue her tradition of giving back, Asselin's family is working to raise funds for a scholarship in her name to be awarded to students at Mt. Ararat High School for excellence in sports.

At the celebration of life, a raffle and donations for the scholarship fund were accepted.

Friends and family members also took time Saturday to celebrate Asselin's 54th birthday on August 30.