(CNN) -- Thousands of mourners filled a Tracy, California, high school gym Thursday to remember slain 8-year-old Sandra Renee Cantu.

Sandra Cantu, 8, had been missing almost two weeks before her body was found.

The little girl made national headlines after she went missing March 27 from a mobile home park in Tracy where she lived with her family.

She was on her way to a friend's home and her playful skipping down an alley was caught by a surveillance camera. Police later found her body stuffed into a suitcase and submerged in a pond at a nearby dairy farm.

Photos of Sandra, flowers and stuffed animals covered the front of the stage. Family members, friends and state dignitaries memorialized the child during a ceremony that lasted just over an hour.

The printed program called the memorial service "A Celebration of Life," and organizers said they hoped the service would help ease the pain the community has suffered since Sandra's disappearance.

"We are left with the haunting image of her skipping on the streets of Tracy. But today she is skipping on the streets of gold, into the arms of a loving God", said Brent Ives, mayor of Tracy.

Cindy Sasser, principal at Jacobsen Elementary School told mourners, "We should all strive to be like Sandra -- always smiling, wanting to help, to look out for others and to be caring."

The service included a video that showcased some of the family's favorite photos.

People from across California attended, filling the gymnasium, cafeteria and the football stadium at West High School.

Melissa Huckaby, 28, a Sunday school teacher who lived in the same mobile home park as Sandra's family, has been charged with murder, kidnapping, the performance of a lewd and lascivious act on a child under 14, and rape by instrument.

If convicted, she would face the death penalty or life in prison without parole, San Joaquin County District Attorney James Willett said this week.

A private memorial service for Sandra was held Wednesday. Her casket, signed by classmates, was taken to a nearby burial site by a horse-drawn carriage.
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question: Where was the photo montage shown, answer: a Tracy, California, high school gym | question: What age was the suspect?, answer: 28, | question: When did the 8 year old disappear?, answer: March 27 | question: Who is the culprit?, answer: Melissa Huckaby, | question: What age is the person who has been charged, answer: 28, | question: Who was arrested for the rape and  murder of Sandra, answer: Melissa Huckaby, | question: Who disappeared?, answer: Sandra Renee Cantu. | question: When did she disappear?, answer: March 27 | question: What are the possible sentences if convicted, answer: death penalty or life in prison without parole, | question: what does photo montage show, answer: Sandra, flowers and stuffed animals | question: When did the girl disappear?, answer: March 27 | question: Who did the police arrest?, answer: Melissa Huckaby, 28, a Sunday school teacher | question: Who was charged with the killing?, answer: Melissa Huckaby, | question: What was shown at a service for Sandra?, answer: video that showcased some of the family's favorite photos. | question: Where is the high school?, answer: Tracy, California, | question: who did police arrest, answer: Melissa Huckaby,