Global Courant
The woman who was hit by a stray bullet on Friday and killed in a daytime shooting in Leslieville is remembered as a loving mother and friend who had a gift for connecting people.
Graphics Warning: This story contains details that readers may find disturbing.
Karolina Huebner-Makurat, known as Caroline by loved ones, is survived by her husband, Adrian Makurat, and daughters Claudia, 7, and Nella, 4.
The 44-year-old was killed after three men got into an argument during the afternoon near the corner of Queen Street East and Carlaw Avenue.
In a video shared with CTV News Toronto, four shots can be heard during the shooting. Toronto police are currently looking for three suspects in connection with the deadly incident.
“We’ve been really touched by the huge support and are somehow making it through now,” Makurat told CTV News Toronto on Sunday.
a The GoFundMe page was set up to help Huebner-Makurat’s family“all heartbroken by this senseless passing,” it read.
Huebner-Makurat was walking down Queen Street to pick up lunch before the shooting.
“Caroline loved life and was instantly friends with everyone she met. Her great sense of humor always lightened up any situation. She was a kind soul, always ready to lend a helping hand,” the organizers wrote.
Makurat also told CTV News that his wife was an excellent communicator and very skilled at bringing people together.
He encourages people to reach out to family, friends, and colleagues they haven’t spoken to in a while to talk to each other.
“Trauma brings people together, which is nice, but communication shouldn’t depend on hardship. Caroline would love this. And my goal is to keep connecting people, like Caroline did worldwide,” he said.
The GoFundMe page also describes Huebner-Makurat as a shining light in her daughters’ lives, with her death leaving them with unimaginable sadness and uncertainty.
“Caroline was more than just a mother; she was a constant source of love, strength and support for her girls. She worked tirelessly to provide them with a nurturing and stable environment and strived to give them the best opportunities in life,” the page reads.
The online fundraiser said the money raised will be used to secure the family’s emotional and psychological well-being as well as charitable causes for the family.
“Caroline’s spirit will live on forever in her children, and through our collective efforts, we can ensure that her legacy continues to shine brightly.”
