Church Mourns Loss of Parishioner in Freak Accident

The will hold a gathering in honor of a parishioner killed in a freak accident in Florida this Wednesday.

Alanna DeMella, 27, of Medford, was killed when a reportedly out-of-control driver struck the poolside cabana she was in at the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale.

According to CBS Boston, and its affiliate CBS Miami, "a 2006 Audi sedan struck a curb, went over the sidewalk and smashed through the side of the building, pinning her."

Despite efforts to save DeMella, from passersby to trained rescue workers, the 27-year-old pregnant woman was found dead in the wreckage. 

DeMella and her husband, Michael, had gone to Florida as part of Genesis' "Real Marriage Tour" giveaway. The contest was promoted on Genesis' web site, as well as Woburn Patch social media.

Krista Guenin, a Genesis parishioner, said Monday, "Hearts are so heavy within the GENESIS community today, even for those of us who didn't know Alanna very well. Her death affects us all because we are one body."

Many of Genesis' female members met last night at Guenin's home to pray for "one another, for Alanna's family, and especially for her husband," she said.

Pastor Michael Davis said Monday that the church is "deeply saddened and grieved at the tragic loss of our dear friend and sister in Christ, Alanna DeMella."

"Our hearts and prayers go out to Mike and both the Masterson and DeMella families," said Davis. "This is such a devastating loss for all who knew and loved Alanna. She touched the lives of so many and will be greatly missed."

The Genesis Community Church will hold a gathering in her memory Wednesday, March 21 at 7 p.m.

"Whether you knew Alanna or not, this will be an important time for us to gather as a church community to mourn, grieve, and pray together," said Davis.

Alanna Masterson DeMella

Alanna DeMella was a third-grade teaching assistant at Arlington's Peirce Elementary School. A notice went home to parents of students there yesterday, advising families of her sudden death.

Her Facebook page proudly displayed a photo of her and her husband, Michael, on their wedding day; while her profile photo was an ultrasound picture of her unborn son.

Despite rescue attempts, emergency personnel were unable to save the child.

On Alanna's Twitter account profile, she described herself as, "wife, teacher, follower of Jesus...on an exciting journey!"

Memorial Services

Viewing hours for Alanna Masterson DeMella will be held Sunday, March 25 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the McDonald Funeral Home – 809 Main St. in Weymouth, MA.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m. at the Old South Union Congregational Church – 25 Columbian St. in Weymouth – Monday, March 26.