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Oksana Milovanovic was a bubbly, creative, friendly, caring, beautiful and confident young woman.

And that's how the 16-year-old exchange student from Vertou, France, was remembered during a celebration of her life Friday night at Reunion Park in Kincardine.

Oksana arrived in Canada last Sunday and went swimming in Lake Huron, at Station Beach, Monday afternoon. She was swept under heavy waves and her body was recovered Thursday morning.

About 500 people gathered at the memorial service to show support for Oksana's parents, Andre and Beatrice, her sister, Julie, and her host family, David Lafortune and Nancy Malloy and their children of Kincardine.

Rev. Ray Luinstra welcomed the large crowd on behalf of both families and thanked everyone for coming to the service and those who helped organize it, as well as the police, emergency services and all the volunteers who joined in the search for Oksana after she went missing.

"This is an amazing community," he said. "This tragedy has brought us together as we join in solidarity through our grief and sorrow in the loss of Oksana. We celebrate her life, even though it was short and we did not have the chance to get to know her better."

South Bruce OPP constable Kevin Martin, community services officer, said just five short days ago, Oksana arrived in Kincardine as an exchange student, excited about living the life of a Canadian teen for a few months.

"Although I did not know her personally, I have seen the incredible strength and warmth of her family in the loss of their daughter and sister," said Martin. "The host family is also suffering with the loss of somebody who had come to mean so much to them after only one day."

And he said it's obvious, from the turn-out at the memorial service, that this terrible sense of loss is felt by everyone in the community.

"From cards and calls to donations of food, we have demonstrated to the families that we care," said Martin. "Over the past week, I'm proud to say I work with the most dedicated group of people anywhere. They worked tirelessly to return a girl to her family. We were confident we'd bring Oksana home.

"To Andre and Beatrice, we are truly sorry you lost your loved one in Lake Huron on the shores of Kincardine."

Martin presented Oksana's family with a financial donation, on behalf of the community, to help them cover the cost of travelling to Canada to take their daughter home.

Adele (L) and Olivia Nussey sing, accompanied by Laura Thomson on the keyboard

Barat and Claire Lafortune read some passages from Oksana's journal which she wrote during her travels.

"They (host family) found me in the airport. I'm so happy," she wrote. "My family is very nice and I feel at home. On the way from Toronto to Kincardine, we stopped for some Canadian fast-foot and it was so good."

She ordered a veggie-burger at Harvey's and when it came time to put on whatever condiments she wanted, Oksana saw the relish which she had never seen before. She had it on her burger and also got a bowl of it which she ate with a fork.

Rebecca Singbeil of Owen Sound stayed with Oksana's family while she was an exchange student in France. As she spoke, Dan Linkenheld translated into French so Oksana's family could understand.

Dan Linkenheld (L) translates into French as Rebecca Singbeil speaks in English

"I met Oksana at her home and we became friends right away," said Singbeil. "We joked, danced and laughed a lot. She taught me all the major rap and pop songs. We had spontaneous water fights in the backyard with Julie.

"She tried so hard to teach me how to say the infamous French 'R' but I couldn't do it. So, she taught me how to say, in French, 'I can't say the 'R'. She made the lessons fun; she made everything fun.

"I spent three months there and I was so looking forward to sharing my country with her as she shared hers with me. Oksana, you will be remembered in Canada and at home in France - everywhere that those of us who love you, travel."

David Lafortune said Oksana touched the lives of many in the community in a very short time.

"She was a remarkable, beautiful young lady," he said. "Her loss is tragic and our hearts go out to her family. To Beatrice, Andre and Julie, your strength and love for Oksana is incredible for us to see and feel."

He thanked the many friends and neighbours who offered support to both families. "We have been overwhelmed by the many acts of kindness from this community, by the professionalism of the police and first-responders, so many people offering help at our time of need. Our thanks to all of you."

Andre and Beatrice Milovanovic stood in front of the crowd and thanked everyone for helping them celebrate the life of their daughter. As they spoke in French, Linkenheld translated into English.

"There are no words to express what I'm feeling," said Andre. "Oksana, we miss you terribly and we love you so much. You will remain in our hearts for all eternity. You are a shining example of a love that transcends everything else."

He told of losing a son in infancy and how it made him so mad. However, through Oksana's love, he came to understand that we must accept what life hands us and not be angry. "We should love as Oksana loved," he said.

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Sunday, August 22, 2010