Friends and family gather to honor mother found dead in her North Naples home

Friends and family gathered at First United Methodist Church in Naples on Friday to celebrate the life of Deena McNelis, a 43-year-old mother who was found dead in her North Naples home last month.

The evening was filled with emotion as attendees remembered McNelis, whose death has been labeled suspicious by Collier County deputies.

"She had so much love for her [daughter]," said Lori Gian, a friend of McNelis.

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McNelis was discovered inside her home on Mangrove Avenue in the Windward Isles community after deputies responded to a welfare check. According to CCSO, neighbors had noticed mail and trash piling up outside her residence.

"We were always there for each other. So definitely had a big heart. And she loved her daughter so much. And her dogs," Gian said.

Deputies have not yet released a cause of death, but the investigation remains ongoing, leaving loved ones still searching for answers.

"I hope there's justice. We know there will be justice. We are definitely on a mission to make sure that there is justice for Deena," Gian said.

Those who knew McNelis also shared a message with the Gulf Coast community.

"I hope to see that women who are in a situation like a domestic violence situation recognize that and they're able to get out before this is them. That's the most important thing. No matter how bad it is, you can get out, and there is support for you," Gian said.

The room was decorated in purple to honor McNelis, with flowers and photos surrounding the crowd.

"She definitely, definitely was filled with love and such a beautiful girl inside and out," Gian said.

"This tragedy has shown how much she was loved and how much we love her," Gian added.