CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — For many in Coral Springs, it was a walk through a garden alongside neighbors and friends, all mourning the loss of Vice Mayor Nancy Metayer.

“This is just such a devastating loss,” said Jeff Adelman, a friend of Metayer.

Others were still struggling to process the sudden loss.

“Honestly today is so surreal. I don’t want to believe this even occurred. She was such a sweet person,” said Coral Springs Commissioner Joe McHugh.

Mayor Scott Brook led a peace walk Saturday in honor of the 38-year-old public servant, who was remembered for her warmth and presence.

“The vice mayor just always had a smile. She would come into a room and it would be lighter,” Brook said.

Hugs and shared memories offered comfort as those who worked closely with Metayer reflected on her impact.

“The best memory I have was just last week,” said McHugh. “I went to go shake one of our commissioners’ hands and she goes, ‘Where’s my hug?’ And I gave her a big hug.”

Metayer’s legacy continues to resonate in the city she was born and raised in -- a community she served and inspired.

“I know the impact she had on me,” Brook said. “I’m inspired every day by her while she was here and I continue to be inspired by her.”

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