First Funeral Held For Oklahoma Tornado Victim

Antonia Candelaria's funeral was the first of 24, who died in Monday's monster storm. The seven children, who lost their life at Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Okla., were all in the same third grade class.

By
Michael Rusch
by Michael Rusch

BuzzFeed News Reporter

Uncredited / AP

Antonia Candelaria was killed when a tornado struck Plaza Towers Elementary School in Moore, Oklahoma on Monday, May 20, 2013.

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) - Friends and family attended funeral services for a 9-year-old girl killed by Monday's tornado in an Oklahoma City suburb.

Thursday's funeral for Antonia Candelaria was the first since the storm that killed 24 people. Ten of the victims were children.

Relatives and friends huddling under umbrellas amid a downpour hurried into a chapel where mournful country songs played. The front of the chapel was filled with photos of a smiling Antonia.

ADREES LATIF / Reuters

Mourners enter a funeral home for a memorial service for 9-year-old tornado victim Antonia Lee "Tonie" Candelaria in Oklahoma City on May 23, 2013. Hundreds of people gathered in stormy weather on Thursday to mourn a 9-year-old girl who loved to sing, dance and paint.

RICK WILKING / Reuters

Mourners leave the first memorial service for a child killed by the tornado that struck Plaza Towers School in Oklahoma City.

RICK WILKING / Reuters

Antonia Candelaria funeral service.

A Man Confronts Members Of The Media As Mourners Leave The Memorial Service:

Tom Pennington / Getty Images
Tom Pennington / Getty Images

A Card From Antonia "Tonie" Candelaria's Funeral Service:

Angela Cox @angelacox7news

Card from first funeral for the #Oklahoma tornado victims held today. 9yo Antonia Candelaria.

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Angela Cox

@angelacox7news

Card from first funeral for the #Oklahoma tornado victims held today. 9yo Antonia Candelaria.

Plaza Towers Elementary School In Moore, Oklahoma Where Seven Students Lost Their Life:

Tony Gutierrez / AP
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