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,

Melissa and Mark Hortman were fatally shot at their Brooklyn Park home Saturday morning. Their children released a statement Monday night with seven ways you can honor their legacy.

"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.”

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

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.

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.

The Hortman family’s dog, a golden retriever named Gilbert, was euthanized after he was injured in the shooting.