Bertina Forde's legacy at Monroe County Social Services

It's been nearly one year since a Monroe County social worker was killed in a hit and run accident. A Rochester woman has been charged in the fatal incident, but as she awaits trial Bertina Forde's friends and family are celebrating her life, turning tears of sadness into those of joy.

Forde was struck and killed on St. Paul St., just feet from the office building where she was employed as a social worker.  Today, a visitation room in that same building was dedicated in her honor.

"This is a great moment, a moment to rejoice," says Forde’s co-worker Thalia Wright.

"It's a moving tribute, I'm glad that they saw it fit to represent Bertina in this capacity, because truly, my daughter was an angel, one who represents the best of her community," says Forde, her father.

"Look at the work she's done, look at the legacy she's left behind," says Wright. "The children and the families that come that we service, they'll get to see the room, they'll get to see her picture," says Wright.

Earlier this month, a tree at Highland Park was dedicated in memory of Bertina Forde.

Vanessa McKinney is the woman charged with leaving the scene of an accident and other traffic violations in the incident that resulted in Forde's death.  McKinney is due back in court to answer to those charges October 29, 2007, a day the Forde family says they've been waiting for.  "That's the toughest part, but I love Bertina and I will never, not ever give up demanding justice," says Forde.