Vigil held for Midland Park woman slain in driveway

The stabbing death of a Midland Park woman on Friday reverberated through the community of just over 7,000 people.

MIDLAND PARK -- The stabbing death of a Midland Park woman on Friday reverberated through the community of just over 7,000 people.

Dozens of members of the community gathered Sunday in Wortendyke Park for a vigil to remember Suzanne Bardzell.

A crowd packed and surrounded a gazebo in the center of the park to hear leaders from Midland Park's faith communities pray for Bardzell and her family.

"We've always been here for one another," the Rev. Lloyd Vorderstrasse of the Midland Park Church of God said. "The turnout today truly does demonstrate that we care for one another."

An ex-boyfriend allegedly stabbed Bardzell to death as she pulled into the driveway of her Godwin Avenue home, prosecutors said. Arthur J. Lomando, 44, later threw himself in front of a subway train in Manhattan.

Faith leaders on Sunday offered prayers for Bardzell and her two teenage sons. The crowd lit candles and sang "Amazing Grace."

The Bardzell family was well regarded in town, Councilman Scott Pruiksma said.

"The family was loved and cared for," he said. "We're a community and when part of the community hurts the whole community hurts."

Jennifer Jeune, a friend and former co-worker of Bardzell's at the Community School in Teaneck, said being with other people and praying for Bardzell was helpful.

"She was just a very kind, warm soul," Jeune said. "She did not deserve this."