Family and friends are praying for Maria Mitousis, the Winnipeg lawyer seriously hurt in Friday's explosion.
Friend Heather Hiebert is having a hard time processing news of the explosion and Mitousis' injuries.
When Hiebert went through a divorce, Maria Mitousis represented her. Hiebert said Mitousis helped make her a stronger person in the most stressful time of her life, and did so much more than represent her as a family lawyer.
"The minute I met her I had such a wonderful connection with her. I was crying and she kept bringing me coffee and Kleenex, and by the end of it, I had made such a good friend,” said Hiebert.
Winnipeg's Greek community has been reeling since the attack. Mitousis was a board member at a Greek orthodox church, and had volunteered in several groups around the city.
Homer’s restaurant owner George Katsabanis talks to her each time she comes for a meal.
“She's a super person. A great person. She's a sweet heart," he said.
Police are now guarding her hospital room. Mitousis has had surgery and is in now in stable condition.
The legal community is reacting too. Criminal defense lawyer Jay Prober and his firm are taking new precautions when it comes to mail delivery.
In his experience, he said family cases are the most highly charged emotional cases across the legal system. He too knows Mitousis.
“Sterling reputation…Very likable. I have never heard anyone speak ill of her,” he said
In just two days, a GoFundMe page has raised more than $30,000 for Mitousis, and has dozens of messages wishing her well.
"I just hope she feels loved and (feels) the support of her colleagues and friends,” said Hiebert.
