From the wooden dais in the Minnesota House, then-Speaker Melissa Hortman presided two years ago over what many called the most consequential legislative session in recent history. She helped orchestrate the passage of long-held Democratic goals: increased education spending,

Friends and colleagues mourning Melissa Hortman hailed the longtime Democratic legislator as a dedicated public servant, a straight-talking and savvy political operator and a kind and committed colleague,

The children of Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark Hortman are speaking out on their parents' murders. “They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone," Sophie and Colin Hortman wrote in a statement obtained by PEOPLE Monday.

Minnesota U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith took time to honor the late and former speaker of the House, Melissa Hortman. Both expressed condolences but also celebrated the 20-plus years of service Hortman gave to Minnesotans as a lawmaker.

Fighting for a wide range of people with a skill for compromise, is how Rep. Melissa Hortman, D-Brooklyn Park, is being remembered for following her assassination Saturday. A civic engagement group said she was a shining example of a woman in politics.

Melissa and Mark Hortman served their community in many ways, including training dogs to be service animals for people in need.

"The best way to honor our parents' memory is to do something, whether big or small, to make our community just a little better for someone else.”