Friends of a missing Lakewood mother, found dead in the woods, remembering a life cut too short.
Her ex-husband now faces multiple charges in connection with her death including kidnapping and murder.
Roaa Al Dhannoon had just divorced her husband when she disappeared and her friends tell News 5 she was the happiest she had ever been, excited to start a new life with her young son.
RELATED: Ex-husband of missing Lakewood mother found dead indicted for aggravated murder
According to Lakewood Police, her ex-husband put an end to that plan.
"She was actually called Lulu. She liked to be called Lulu," said Danielle Krasnicki.
Krasnicki was Roaa Al Dhannoon's boss at Aladdin's restaurant in Lakewood.
"She had a great love of life, huge heart, she loved to come to work. She loved her son," said Krasnicki.
That little boy, now 5, spent a lot of time at the restaurant.
"We'd give him cookies and treats and snacks," said Krasnicki.
Sadly, he's growing up without a mother and now a father.
RELATED: Remains found in Brooklyn identified as missing Lakewood motherRoaaS. Al Dhannoon
His dad, Fahad Saeed, was charged Thursday with multiple counts including kidnapping and murder.
"She was actually very happy because she had just gotten divorced, so she was really happy to have her own life with her son," said Krasnicki.
After seven months of following up on dozens of leads, the FBI finally found Al Dhannoon's body buried in a container in a wooded area in Brooklyn.
While it's not the outcome they hoped for, friends tell News 5 her discovery and the charges in the case are steps in the right direction.
"We can get some closure and get some justice for Roaa," said Krasnicki.
Meantime, the staff at Aladdin's is leaning on each other during this very difficult time.
"We just prayed for her to rest in peace," said Krasnicki.
They're also praying for her little boy.
"She was really looking forward to growing up with him and watching him get big," said Krasnicki.
His father was already in custody serving six months in jail for violating the protection order Al Dhannoon filed against him.
Prosecutors tell News 5 they may seek the death penalty in this case.
