By Rebekah Riess, CNN
(CNN) — Cerina Fairfax, remembered by those who knew her as a devoted mother and caring dentist, was killed by her husband, former Virginia Lt. Gov. Justin Fairfax, inside their Virginia home this week, authorities said.
Fairfax described herself as someone who loved “to read, run trails with her energetic Vizslas, practice Bikram yoga, travel, and spend time with her wonderful family.” She leaves behind an “enduring legacy of love and selflessness,” her attorney said.
A dentist who took pride in her work and cared for her patients
Fairfax was a beloved and accomplished dentist, running her own thriving family dental practice, Dr. Fairfax & Associates Family Dentistry, serving the Fairfax, Virginia community.
She graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree from Duke before obtaining her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from Virginia Commonwealth University’s School of Dentistry in 2005, graduating magna cum laude, according to her practice’s website.
Fairfax enjoyed “all fields of dentistry” and focused on “conservative, comprehensive dentistry,” the website says. Throughout her career she received several honors and awards, including the VCU School of Dentistry’s Alumni Association Award for Outstanding Graduate of the Last Decade for her many contributions to the profession.
“As a clinician and alumna, Dr. Fairfax embodied the ideals of our profession—dedication to her patients, commitment to growth, and a deep sense of purpose in her work each day. I know she was a mentor, role model, and friend to many in our school,” a statement from VCU School of Dentistry Interim Dean Jeffrey Johnson said.
“Cerina really loved what she did, like she took pride in her work,” Terron Sims, a friend and longtime patient, told CNN affiliate WTVR. “Her profession was an extension of her love and care for people.”
“Dr. Fairfax considers it an honor and a privilege to serve the community of Fairfax, Virginia. She is committed to serving not only her patients but others as well through participation in community outreach programs,” her practice website states.
“We couldn’t believe it,” Janice Hildreth, a patient who had been in Fairfax’s office just days before her murder on Thursday, told CNN. “She was such a lovely human being, such a warm and gentle person.”
Hildreth began seeing Fairfax after she and her husband moved to the area several years ago. She said Fairfax’s practice was small but had a “very caring” staff. She was so pleased with the doctor’s care; she said she referred several friends to her.
“It was just wonderful vibes in that whole office.”
A hands-on mother who once built a zip line for her two kids
“Above all else,” her divorce attorney Amy Spain said, Cerina was a “devoted mother to her beautiful children, who were the very center of her world.”
Fairfax “embodied the true meaning of motherhood through her unconditional and unwavering devotion to her children, providing a constant source of love, protection, and guidance,” Spain said.
Erin Baylongo, a mother of four young children, who lived next door to the Fairfax family for about five years, told CNN what she saw of Cerina Fairfax painted a picture of a committed mother.
“Just seeing her interactions with her kids, the time spent in the backyard, all the time doing stuff (…) She just made a very welcoming backyard” for her children, Baylongo said.
Fairfax was an “active mom,” Bayl