WICHITA, Kansas, October 6, 2008 – Amidst sprinkles of rain, hundreds of people entered St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church in south Wichita to pay their last respects to a Wichita mother and her four-year-old daughter. One of the mourners saying Mother Nature must feel as sorrowful as they do.

The tears were shed for Claudia Mijares and her daughter, Gisele. Inside, the chapel was overflowing with standing room only as friends, relatives and complete strangers paid their respects.

"Your sadness, your hurt has extended to many people far beyond the city of Wichita,” said Father Richard Stuchlik. “They send their sympathies and they send their prayers.”

The death of this mother and daughter is hitting hard with news that a suspected drunk driver is to blame; after four other previous DUI convictions.

"When we look upon these two, so violently taken from us, let them also be great patrons,” Father Stuchlik said. “Maybe this little Gisele can be a patron for those members of our community that have a difficulty with alcoholism and drinking."

This tragedy has many calling for new laws. Their eyes now opened to what some call weakness in the legal system when it comes to multiple DUI convictions. If that change comes, Father Stuchlik says it would be welcome allowing Claudia and Gisele to serve as martyrs for those battling alcoholism.

"Let her be a symbol of hope,” Father Stuchlik said. “A symbol that there is something much greater in life than just the bottle to hang onto."

The service closed with two caskets taken from the chapel, an embrace amongst family members and their priest and the hope that the suffering here today somehow prevents another tragedy tomorrow.

A benefit car show is being held for the Mijares Family Sunday, Oct. 26th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of Star Lumber Co. in Wichita. There is an entry fee of $15 with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the family.