

The Canadian Press





CALGARY - A funeral service will be held today for Sara Baillie and her five-year-old daughter, Taliyah Marsman.

Baillie, who was 34, was found dead in her northwest Calgary home on July 11th and Taliyah was missing.

The little girl's body was found about three days later in a rural area east of the city.

An obituary says the pair were inseparable and describes Sara as a dedicated mother who had an unflinching love for her daughter.

It says Taliyah, who recently finished Kindergarten and had just learned to ride a bike, was a funny girl who never left home without her sparkly purse filled with lotions and lipsticks.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Missing Children's Society of Canada.

Immediately prior to today's funeral, a family member will make a brief statement to the media.

Edward Downey faces two counts of first degree murder. Police have said he knew both Baillie and Taliyah, but it's not clear how. His next court appearance is set for August 3rd.