MONTREAL -- Pamphlets for domestic abuse hotlines lay in the entrance of a funeral home next to a collage of photos as a slain NDG woman was laid to rest Wednesday.

Nineteen-year-old Sherri Thomas was killed inside her apartment last Monday; her 23-year-old boyfriend is facing second-degree murder charges in connection with her death.

Hundreds paid their final respects to Thomas at a funeral home in Little Burgundy, packed for the solemn occasion.

In his eulogy, her grandfather, who had custody of Thomas for a time during her youth, remembered his granddaughter as a caring soul and someone who would have accomplished great things.

“It's hard to see such a good friend die,” said friend Telia Talbot. “She was always smiling. She was always so happy. I loved her with all my heart. She was one of my best friends.”

Friend Tim Payette remembered her as warm and open to others.

“This girl is the most amazing person that ever existed. She'd see a group of kids and she'd go up to the most awkward one and smile and say, ‘Life is beautiful.’ This girl was amazing,” he said.

Thomas grew up in Dollard-des-Ormeaux. Known as bubbly and with lots of friends, she met Michael Gero a little over a year ago.

Gero had long criminal record, including assault and weapons charges.

Friends and family say Gero was controlling and abusive, but no one could convince her to leave.

“We asked her a couple of times who is he,” said cousin Lillian Pelletier. “She always shut down and said she didn't want to talk about it.”

Thomas was beaten and shot at the NDG apartment where she and Gero lived.

“No woman should have to go through something like that,” said Pelletier. “I hope that other women will take this seriously and leave if a man hits them.”

Every day in Montreal, police receive more than 40 calls related to domestic violence.

The call for Sherri Thomas only came when neighbours heard screams – by then it was too late.

“To all the women out there, if you’re getting beat, call somebody,” said Talbot. “There's help. Don't go through this abuse, it's not worth it.”