Family and friends gathered together yesterday at the Bharatiya Temple in Troy to remember LSA senior Arati Sharangpani, whose life came to a tragic end Thursday afternoon when Comair flight 3272 crashed outside of Detroit.
Sharangpani's close friends and relatives said they were touched by her personality.
"In this gloomy world, Artie was our sun," said Deepa Bilolikar, a close friend of Sharangpani's and a 1995 University graduate.
Sharangpani was well-known in the University community - she was a resident adviser in Mary Markley Residence Hall and had served as vice president of the Indian American Student Association. Sharangpani was from Holland, Mich.
Bilolikar said she and Sharangpani became instant friends when they met four years ago at the University.
"She just has that kind of personality," Bilolikar said. "She was one of my best friends."
Others who knew her said they will remember her compassion and generosity.
"I look at Artie as being an angel really," said Harprit Bedi, a close friend and 1996 University graduate. "Artie is sort of the epitome of everything that's good."
LSA senior Renuka Kher, president of the Indian American Student Association, said she became friends with Sharangpani when they worked together in IASA.
"She touched everyone with her special ability to make them feel a sense of belonging, along with her constant encouragement and enthusiasm toward everyone's lives," Kher said.
"She had a unique gift to always say the right thing at the right time."
Many University students, friends and family members attended the memorial service held yesterday.
Bilolikar said the Sharangpani family appeared to be holding up "as well as can be expected."
Kher said, "The amount of love among her family and that she had for her friends is helping them cope."
Bilolikar said both Sharangpani's younger and older sister spoke at the memorial service. "Her sisters are extremely strong," Bilolikar said.
Elder sister Aditi Sharangpani said yesterday at the memorial service, "Artie was a source of life for all of us. Her light was that of a shooting star, shining brilliant and gone far, far too quickly."
LSA junior Probir Mehta said the community will definitely miss Sharangpani. "She touched so many people," said Mehta, an acquaintance of Sharangpani's. "Her memory will be cherished."
"She definitely left her mark on IASA," Mehta said.
Sharangpani continued to be involved with IASA this year, and helped plan the group's three-day conference this past weekend.
IASA members decided to dedicate the event to Sharangpani's memory.
"It was an obvious decision," said Mehta, a conference co-chair.
Kher made a tribute to Sharangpani during an IASA dinner Friday evening. A moment of silence followed.
Most of all, friends of Sharangpani said they will remember her lively smile.
"She just had the most beautiful smile," Bilolikar said.
Kher agreed. "You could always feel her warmth when you saw her smile. She'll always be remembered for her ability to make everyone laugh."
Bilolikar said the family is waiting to hear from the National Transportation Safety Board about the release of Sharangpani's body, which could take between two to five days.
After the release of the body, the family will hold a private cremation service, Bedi said. "That will be a personal religious ceremony."