PORT ANGELES — A memorial will be conducted at 7:30 p.m. Tuesday to recognize what would have been Jennifer Pimentel’s 28th birthday.
The celebration will be at Pimentel’s gravesite at Ocean View Cemetery, 3127 W. 18th St.
Pimentel, a mentally disabled woman, was killed in October.
Her body was found in the woods near the Hood Canal Bridge in East Jefferson County.
Birthdays were very special to Pimentel, said her sister, Naveire Pimentel.
“Two weeks before your birthday, she would start texting, ‘Happy birthday,’ and you’d get 20 texts on your birthday,” Naveire said.
“It means a lot to me as her sister to celebrate her birthday for her,” she said.
“Even though she is gone, she is still with us all in spirit and would be beyond excited knowing none of us forgot her birthday.”
Guests are asked to bring a Ty Beanie Baby stuffed animal to leave at her grave.
Her sister loved the color purple, Naveire said, so the family will release 28 purple balloons, with notes from well-wishers attached.
Her favorite chocolate cake will be served, and “Happy Birthday” will be sung, she said.
‘More than welcome’
“Family, friends or anyone who knew her and would like to show their respect and love to her on her birthday are more than welcome,” Naveire said.
Trials have been set for two people accused in Jennifer Pimentel’s death.
Kevin A. Bradfield, 23, of Port Angeles — accused of strangling Pimentel at a Port Angeles residence and hiding her body — will be tried for first-degree murder Nov. 5.
Kendell K. Huether, 26, of Port Angeles, who had been friends with Pimentel, has been charged with rendering criminal assistance to Bradfield and will face trial Sept. 10.
Huether is charged with first-degree rendering criminal assistance and two counts of witness tampering in Pimentel’s death.
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Reporter Arwyn Rice can be reached at 360-452-2345, ext. 5070, or at arwyn.rice@peninsuladailynews.com.
