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,

"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.”

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.

Sophie and Colin Hortman released the following statement on behalf of the Hortman family: “We are devastated and heartbroken at the loss of our parents, Melissa and Mark. They were the bright lights at the center of our lives, and we can’t believe they are gone. Their love for us was boundless. We miss them so much.”

The children of Melissa and Mark Hortman spoke out on Monday for the first time following the murder of the lawmaker and her husband.

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

Before Representative Melissa Hortman’s death, the state’s House was evenly divided. The governor has until next February to fill her seat before the next legislative session.

Tributes are pouring in on social media calling Mark an avid pool player on a house league in Coon Rapids. Minnesotans who worked with him call him kind and generous.

Early Saturday morning, Minnesota House Speaker Emerita Melissa Hortman and her husband, Mark, were assassinated in their home.