About 80 people packed into the American Legion Hall No. 149 in Bremerton for a memorial service remembering a South Kitsap mother of five who was murdered Nov. 4.

Amber Lynn Coplin, 30, was found dead in an apartment she shared with live-in boyfriend David Michael Kalac, who was arrested a day later in Oregon and charged with first-degree murder.

Many of those attending the service wore purple clothing or a purple ribbon in remembrance of Coplin. Upon entering the hall, there was a collage of photographs of Coplin.

The audience — which included family and friends — watched a 15-minute video presentation that featured photographs of Coplin, her sons and family.

“The slideshow gives us a glimpse into Amber’s life,” said Doug Van Wittenberg, a member of the Amercian Legion, who officiated the event.

During the presentation, tears flowed from the eyes of family members and friends who are dealing with the loss of Coplin.

Coplin’s sons, along with her husband, Paul Coplin; mother and stepfather, Daylene and Roger Wey of Oakdale, Calif., and her father and stepmother, James and Teresa Schawn of Bremerton, attended the memorial.

“Can there be any doubt that Amber loved her family,” Wittenberg said.

He said Coplin was taken away in a tragic way.

“Amber was a very loving mother and made sure her boys came first,” Wittenberg read from her obituary. “She was a bright young lady who always had a smile for all, along with a helping hand for family and friends. She always tried to find the positive in every situation.”

Wittenberg read Matthew 5:1-8, then opened the service for comments from family and friends.

Coplin’s sister, Christina Gaj, recalled Coplin helping the family get through the death of her brother.

“She blossomed into this beautiful young woman and I hated the fact I wasn’t up here to see it,” said Gaj. “She was an amazing woman and mother. There is nothing that can describe how she laughed and smiled unless you seen it firsthand.

“She was a beautiful person and it’s not fair that she is gone,” she cried. “She needs to be remembered as when she was alive.”

She said Coplin loved her son with her whole heart.

“She will be with all of us, always,” Gaj added.

“Obviously by all the people that are here, she was well loved and respected,” said one member of the audience. “We will have her in our hearts.”

At the time of her death, Coplin was employed at State Farm processing claim information and enrolled in college to get her associates degree. She was also involved in the Boy Scouts of America and volunteers as a den mother.

More than a dozen purple balloons — written with messages on them — were released at the end of the service in Coplin’s honor.