Bewildered mourners at two gatherings this week embraced the memory of Valerie Claplanhoo, slain Jan. 2 at her Sequim apartment in a case that remained under investigation early this week. A homicide victim who lived much of her adult life without a roof over her head was embraced at two gatherings this week as a woman who nurtured and sheltered others. The 57-year-old Claplanhoo lived at Sunbelt Apartments in Sequim, where her body was found Jan. 2 in her studio unit. Its door on Sunday, Jan. 20, was adorned with balloons, her nickname “Ish” encircled by a heart and “God Speed” scrawled on the white finish while a dozen residents reminisced over her generosity and her offbeat sense of humor, ending by painting rocks with heartfelt messages to place in her garden. Pictured here is Becky Ruby, left, and Tanya Gardner, saying goodbye Jan. 20 after a remembrance service they attended for Claplanhoo at the Sunbelt Apartments. Friends also held a vigil for Claplanhoo in Port Angles on Jan. 21. Photo by Paul Gottlieb/Peninsula Daily News