'Our angels received their wings': Funeral held for three children killed in mass shooting

A private funeral service has been held for the three Sault Ste. Marie children killed last week in a tragic mass murder-suicide.

An obituary published today by their family identifies the young victims for the first time:

• Abigail “Abbie” Rose Hannah Marie Hallaert, age 12

• Alexandra “Ally” June Elizabeth Hallaert, age 7

• Nathaniel “Nate” John Henrik Hallaert, age 6

“Tragically on October 23, 2023 our Angels received their wings at the gates of Heaven,” reads the brief obituary, posted on SooToday. “We offer our heartfelt thanks to the first responders, the Sault Ste. Marie City Police, Victim Services Algoma and to all those who have reached out to us during this difficult time.”

The obituary includes a photograph of the three siblings in front of a fire truck, wearing plastic firefighter hats.

The shooting rampage, which began shortly before 10:30 p.m. on Oct. 23, devastated the entire city and propelled Sault Ste. Marie into the national spotlight.

In what police immediately described as a case of intimate partner violence, a 44-year-old gunman — later identified as Bobbie Hallaert — shot and killed his ex-girlfriend, Angie Sweeney, at a house on Tancred Street. He then drove to a home on Second Line East, where he shot his own three children before turning a gun on himself.

The children’s 45-year-old mother was also shot but survived.

Last Friday, community members gathered for a candlelight vigil to honour the murder victims, as well as victims of other recent tragedies in Sault Ste. Marie. Three days later, City Council joined dozens of others Ontario communities in declaring intimate partner violence an epidemic.

Funeral arrangements for the children were entrusted to Northwood Funeral Home Cremation and Reception Centre, with Helen Smith officiating the private service.

On Saturday afternoon, Sweeney’s family and friends are holding a celebration of life at Grand Gardens.