ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. -- What started as a vacation for a St. Augustine family turned into a tragedy. The family's van was smashed by a dump truck Monday during their trip through Pennsylvania's Cumberland Valley.
Mother of seven, Serafina Kinnare, was ejected from the van and killed. She was only 34-years-old. Her husband, Patrick, and the couple's seven children survived the horrific crash.
Patrick told Action News, "she brought the light of Christ to every soul she met. Her place in Heaven is very high."
"She was so kind, best mom ever,” said Serafina’s neighbor and close friend, Dawne Harmon. “She handled those kids like it was two kids. She didn't care that it was seven."
Harmon says Serafina was much more than just a neighbor. Walking their kids to the same bus stop every morning soon turned into long-lasting afternoon chats. Dawne showed us text messages the two shared the morning Serafina was killed.
"I texted her back to be safe,” said Harmon. “We got close really fast."
A devout Catholic, friends and family tell Action News that Serafina was a dedicated wife and mother.
"I just feel so bad for the kids and for Patrick because she was their everything... she was their everything,” said Harmon.
Funeral services are set for early next week in Connecticut. Patrick is a religion teacher at Bishop John J. Snyder High School in Jacksonville. The school is now accepting donations for the family.
