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Judy Malinowski laid to rest

Malinowski died 696 days after being set on fire.

Judy Malinowski's journey has come to an end.

The New Albany mother of two was remembered Monday at her funeral as a faithful, selfless inspiration to others.

She died last Tuesday, nearly 700 days after her ex-boyfriend doused her with gasoline and set her on fire.

Tuesday inside the Church of the Resurrection, Father Ryan Schmit said, "life is about more than what is seen, what is visible."

What couldn't be seen was the faith that sustained her through 696 days in the hospital, some 60 surgeries, and wounds that wouldn't heal.

"I definitely want to live," she said, while acknowledging the challenges ahead. "It's hard, hard work. Every day."

The simplest things were hard work: speaking, even breathing. She fought through it all to warn others about abusive relationships.

At Judy's funeral, a woman in tears said, "There are other survivors here today. They are here for strength."

Tuesday, what was visible, was a family in utter grief, and two little girls missing their mother.

What couldn't be seen was the peace of a woman finally free of pain and suffering.

"Evil and violence and even death have been conquered by our Lord Jesus," said Father Jim Csaszar.

Judy Malinowski knew there was more than what the rest of us could see.

From her hospital bed in October, she told 10TV she had been visited by an angel.

"lt was amazing. She was beautiful," Malinowski said. "Absolutely beautiful."

Last week, one day after her death, the Ohio Senate passed "Judy's Law."

It adds six years to the prison sentence for attacks that permanently disfigure or disable.

Judy's attacker is serving an 11-year sentence for aggravated arson.

Prosecutors said they now plan to file aggravated murder charges.

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