Candlelight Vigil Rallies Community Support for Brooke Healey

Residents with lit candles and flashlights sprinkled the Our Lady of Peace Church soccer field below a setting sun Monday night at a candlelight vigil for Brooke Healey. 

The sunset eventually turned the sky purple, which Brooke could see from her stroller, which was fitting since purple skies are her favorite, said Steve Healey, Brooke’s father. 

Hundreds attended the vigil in New Providence to offer well wishes and prayers for Brooke, who was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma in January, a rare, inoperable tumor in the middle of her brain.

Steve and Stefani Healey, family members and friends were by Brooke's side before, during and after the vigil, which was organized by family friend Maria Mazzone.

Michelle, Stefani’s sister, offered opening remarks and thanked Maria for her efforts. Father Bill Mahon then led the crowd in prayer for Brooke.

Steve Healey also spoke to the group, thanking everyone for their support through the numerous fundraisers planned by community members for his family.

At the end of the vigil, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole’s version of “Somewhere Over The Rainbow” was played and community members joined in song.

Mazzone thanked the following individuals in the vigil program: 

• Father Bill Mahon
• Valerie Mitreuter and Our Lady of Peace Church
• Douglas Marvin and the New Providence Borough Council
• Linda Fitzpatrick
• Jeanne Ross and The Presbyterian Church
• Rick Clark and Theatrical Associates, Inc.
• Capt. Wayne Maurer and the New Providence Police Department
• Fire Inspector Drew Vignali, the New Providence Fire Department and First Aid Squad
• Barbara Rybolt and The Independent Press
• Megan Melkowitz
• Jill Driscoll
• Christine Smith
• Joan Rechemeir
• Alissa Rust
• New Providence UPS Store

Check New Providence-Berkeley Heights Patch on Tuesday to view our photo gallery from the candlelight vigil for Brooke.