31°
A Facebook fundraiser for the family had raised more than $5,500 as of Wednesday evening.
"The Merwedes have suffered the unimaginable loss of their only child, Serena," said the campaign, launched by Terri Morse.
"Not only is this an emotionally devastating time for them, but the financial burden is something they were not prepared for and we as a community can help."
A memorial service will be from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Oakland Memorial Home on Saturday, Jan. 26.
Hundreds of people offered words of comfort to the family on the campaign.
"This breaks my heart," Paul Alexander Dunn wrote. "I only had the pleasure of knowing her for a few short months, but she had a lot of love for her friends and parents."
"The love of my life, My best friend, My sister," Samantha Gordon wrote. "She meant the world to me. Mr. and Mrs. Merwede if you see this bless you at this time. I loved your daughter so much."
The teen, who often sang at local coffee shops and open mics, was remembered for her voice and creativity as an artist.
"This amazing young woman Serena, who spent basically everyday in my shop Winnie & Belle for 6 years while it was open in Midland Park," Mari Keating Schofield said on Facebook.
"She had the most amazing singing voice, extremely creative, a rebel, funny. And smart! We would laugh, have tea, craft, have very intense heart-to-hearts. I always made her call me when she got home, 5 houses away. I will never forget you."
Click here to follow Daily Voice Garfield-Lodi and receive free news updates.
