Three weeks after it happened, a Petawawa family is still coming to terms with a random violent attack that left a 56-year-old grandfather dead, and his wife suffering from serious stab wounds.

On June 28, a man allegedly broke into a Petawawa home, stabbing Dan Pietersma, 56, and his wife Sharlene, 55.

The couple's daughter Karisma and two grandkids, ages 9 and 6, were also home at the time of the attack.

"He died trying to save his family and his grandkids," said long-time family friend Shannon Farrell-Moncion.

A third victim, Emma Guthrie, 17, was also allegedly attacked about a block from the Pietersma home. She is recovering from non-life threatening injuries.

Farrell-Moncion says the Pietersmas' adult kids, Karisma and Dustin are grieving the loss of their father, as they help their mother recover from the serious stab wounds she suffered in the attack.

"She’s dealing the best she can," Farrell-Moncion said about Sharlene, who in hospital in Ottawa. "She woke up to find out her husband had passed, so she’s dealing with that, and dealing with her own healing and injuries."

Farrell-Moncion says Dan and Sharlene's two grandchildren witnessed the attack.

A mom herself, Farrell-Moncion has started a fundraising campaign to help the Pietersma's with expenses in the wake of the family tragedy.

"Everything is getting donated to Karisma and Dustin, to either put the kids in camp, to be able to make the trips back and forth, food, anything that Sharlene may need," Farrell-Moncion said.

Local businesses have donated various items, including jewellery and artwork, for an online facebook auction to raise money for the family.

The auction remains open until July 22 at noon.

Farrell-Moncion has also organized a bake sale at  the Pembroke Farmer’s Market on July 24th from 8:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Sharlene Pietersma has a long recovery ahead, and is warning others to keep their doors locked, even in a quiet community like Petawawa.

Farrell-Moncion says the family has not spent much time back at their home, where the stabbing happened. But they plan on eventually returning.

"They feel Dan’s there, they feel Dan’s presence is there watching over them, and that’s his house," Farrell-Moncion said. "(They feel)That’s where his spirit is."

Police have charged Brian David Goddard, 25, with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder.

With files from CTV's Claudia Cautillo