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Family and neighbors remember woman who was shot and killed as kind and thoughtful

Posted at 3:23 PM, Dec 05, 2016
and last updated 2016-12-05 16:45:01-05

VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - The family of a woman shot and killed in front of her own home on Campion Court in Virginia Beach over the weekend says she will be remembered as thoughtful.

Christine Bender (Photo provided by family)

Neighbors are asking why someone would want her dead since she was so kind.

Rapid gunshots in a quiet neighborhood in Virginia Beach -- gunshots that took the life of Christine Bender.

Her daughter, Elizabeth Stevens describes her as "The best person you could have ever met." Stevens remembered the last time she got the chance to take her Mom overseas, just a few months ago.

"I am so glad that I got to take her home one more time and it got to be for a good reason," said Stevens.

Because of Christine's generous and kind spirit, the community in Chimney Hill where she lived is coming together to give back to her family.

"A couple came over yesterday add dropped off macaroni and cheese and a card. I broke down crying in a complete stranger's arms, but I never experienced anything like that before and it just overwhelmed me a bit," said Stevens.

As police continue to investigate the shooting, Stevens says the kindness of strangers is helping her get through this tragic time.

"It's just kind of overwhelming and very heartening as well to see that so many people can care about someone they half knew or didn't know at all. It's just of the one bright light in all of this mess."

A close family friend has set up a GoFundMe page to help the family with funeral costs.

The Chimney Hill Association told News 3, now more than ever, is the time to partner with Virginia Beach Police Department to implement the neighborhood watch program to assist in making the community a safer place to live. The association is asking for residents to volunteer and be involved.