The mother of Jun Lin says she's hopeful a public memorial held Saturday will help bring peace to a community in mourning.

Zhi Gui Du gave a heart-wrenching address at a Hampstead's Montreal Chinese Alliance church, saying when her son died her heart died too.

Lin's parents were joined at the ceremony by friends and members of Montreal's Chinese community.

Lin, a 33-year-old Chinese national, was killed and dismembered two months ago in a gruesome case that shocked people around the world.

Pastor Thomas Chan says the killing was a tragedy not only for the Lin family but for all of Montreal.

Luka Rocco Magnotta has pleaded not guilty to several charges in connection with Lin's death, including a count of first-degree murder.

Lin was studying computer science at Concordia University.

The university says it has raised more than $70,000 in Lin's name to support his family and Chinese students at the school.