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A service celebrating the life of Patricia Martin, 17, a Village High School student who died last Friday, will be held at 2 p.m. today at the Graham-Hitch funeral home, 4167 First Street in Pleasanton.

Born in Walnut Creek, Tricia Martin is survived by her mother Kathleen Martin, who is the front office coordinator at the Pleasanton Weekly. She was preceded in death by her father, Brian Martin.

Her short life was filled with trips to the beach and Disneyland, and cruises to the Caribbean, Mexico, Alaska and Hawaii. She loved listening to music, creating art, watching scary movies and hanging with friends.

She also loved animals, including her three cats Sparklie, Herbie and Zephyr and her dog Kimmy.

The Newark Police Department found Ms. Martin and a 24-year-old adult believed to be James Shanelec of Livermore in a Newark motel room last Friday morning. Both died of gunshot wounds, according to the Newark police who are investigating the incident as a murder-suicide or double suicide.

Donations may be made in her memory to SuicidePreventionLifeLine.org or Tri-Valley Animal Rescue (TVAR).

--Jeb Bing

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