There were tears, expressions of hope, and even laughter at an emotion-filled memorial yesterday for Masumi Watanabe, the shy, young visitor from Japan who disappeared from the North Shore one year ago to the day.

"Let me make it clear — this is a celebration," began Kahu Curt Kekuna, senior pastor of Kawaiaha'o Church, where more than 200 people filled the pews to not only celebrate the life of Watanabe, but to let her family know how much they cared.

Even before the 10 a.m. service began, those who made their way up the stone stairway leading to the famous church repeatedly said they were there to offer comfort to the family.

"I've followed the trial and read about Masumi in the paper," said John Samang, who drove in from Kapolei with his wife, Marissa. "I wanted to come show my sympathy and support for the family."

"It just a terrible thing to happen," said Hilkka Easterwood of Kaka'ako. "I'm a parent myself, and to have a child disappear like that — it's just awful. And we have to show our aloha to the family, to let them know that we care here in this community."

"This whole thing is so sad," said city prosecutor Peter Carlisle, who has wrapped up his case against Kirk Lankford, the Kalihi pest control technician accused of murdering Watanabe, and awaits a decision in the weekslong trial that went to the jury Thursday.

"It's heartbreaking because this girl was raised in the safest of environments. She came over here because it's a safe place, and then this rogue incident occurred. The only word that describes it is tragedy."

Carlisle declined to comment on the Lankford case while the jury is out. Plus, he added, the purpose of the memorial was not to dwell on the trial but to begin the healing for the Watanabe family.

Among those who attended the memorial was Lankford's wife, Corinne.

Also at the service, sitting by himself, was Lankford's father, Howard Lewis Lankford.

Masumi's parents, Hideichi and Fumiko Watanabe, sat in the front row beside Masumi's older brothers, Kenya, 26, and Ryo, 24. With them was Mieko Crans, who served as translator for the family.

Honolulu Mayor Mufi Hannemann, who spoke at the commemorative, made his comments directly to the family, saying, "Today's service is a way for us to try and bring you some closure."

Despite hundreds of hours of searches on the North Shore and Windward O'ahu by police, volunteer hiking clubs and individuals, and even with a Web site devoted to the effort — findMa sumi.org — Watanabe's body has never been found.

Still, Hideichi Watanabe, who delivered his daughter's eulogy, said, "I am certain that Masumi rests in peace with God now."

He spoke of his memories of Masumi, of family trips together to Mt. Fuji and Tokyo Disneyland, and he lamented about having never taken her to Waikiki to shop, dine and enjoy the beach. He expressed his family's appreciation to those who came to the service, those who organized it, and to all who had searched for Masumi's body.

When his daughter disappeared a year ago, he said, his best friend initiated a project to fold a thousand origami cranes in hopes that Masumi would come home safely. But his friend became seriously ill and died four months later, and the thousand good luck cranes had to be completed by friends of his daughter.

Eventually, it became clear that Masumi would not be coming home.

"During this short period, I lost two of the most important people in my life," he said. "I feel such great sadness and regret."

Possibly the most touching moment came after the benediction. One by one people moved to the front pew to personally offer condolences, handshakes and hugs of aloha to the Watanabe family. A long line of folks quickly filled the center aisle as people patiently waited their turn.

Fumiko Watanabe wept as so many people expressed sentiments of support, even though she understood little of what was said.

"We didn't expect that so many people would show up," Hideichi Watanabe told Crans.

Bob Iinuma, the Waipahu mortgage broker who organized the memorial, said he thought the service had achieved its purpose.

"This is not the end," he said. "But it's a new beginning. For now, the parents are just waiting for the good verdict."

The family will most likely learn of the verdict in Japan. They're scheduled to return tomorrow morning — the same day the jury resumes deliberations.

Following the memorial, outside the church, Kerwin Lum of Kahala was also hoping for some closure one year later. As a rescue volunteer for the Hawai'i Trail and Mountain Club, Lum has gone on more search missions for Watanabe than he can remember.

"We were out again as recently as this past Tuesday," said Lum, who has been on searches for Watanabe's body at locations all over across O'ahu. "I have mixed feelings. I wish we could have done better, and that we could have found her. But at least we made the effort. At least we tried."