Family, friends mourns loss of Virginia Living editor Hope Cartwright

RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) -- There were few dry eyes seen at Chimborazo Park in Richmond's Church Hill neighborhood on Saturday as friends and family gathered to honor Virginia Living magazine editor Hope Cartwright.

A driver hit and killed Cartwright as she crossed the E. Cary and S. 2nd street intersection in February. Latesha Coleman was charged with felony hit and run.

Cartwright is one of multiple victims in deadly vehicle-pedestrian incidents over the past three months in and around Richmond.

Loved ones leaned on one another as they shared their favorite memories, read poetry and sang verses from The Bible. They described Cartwright as a beautiful soul who has gone too soon.

"Without her, I am so completely lost, but I rest assured that I would never, ever forget Hope Cartwright," Virginia Living Digital Editor Gabriela Goncalves said.

Some of the best memories shared were of their love and admiration for the band Mumford and Sons.

Cartwright's sister, Holly Thompson, spoke about a memory the sisters had with the band's song "Beloved."

"The chorus is, 'Before you leave, you must know you are beloved. Just know that I was with you.' That's been my biggest prayer in this time," Thompson said.

Those in attendance embraced one another and shed tears, but say as long as they have Cartwright's memory, she lives on.

"The first of many cards Hope wrote me said 'have hope' and big colorful letters on the front. Now, it's a mantra," Carwright's partner, Caroline Bell, said. "When I don't find myself overwhelmed by this tragedy, I think back to her name and that first card: 'have hope.'"

Virginia Magazine staff said it's working to establish a journalism scholarship in Cartwright's name and memory. Members are also hoping to raise awareness about pedestrian safety.