ORLANDO, Fla. — Decades ago, the Sound of Sunshine Show Chorus was formed in Central Florida as a chapter of the Sweet Adelines International, and it has become a welcoming place for women of all ages and singing abilities.

And when one member suffered tremendous loss, the group — bonded over a shared love of music — stepped up to support.

“Doing music is keeping me alive, the energy, just really. I think music is in my blood. It’s essential for my living,” said Elaine Corriveau. “I know I would not have gotten through without them.”

Two years ago, when Corriveau lost her adult daughter to leukemia, the group she so loves helped her through the aftermath of the tragic loss. The mother’s pain, incomprehensible to most, was met only with love.

“This is an organization full of love. We cheer people on through their challenging times,” said Debbie Dennis, who coordinates the chorus’ competition team. “Although she wasn’t always in town, we flooded her with text messages, emails, videos, love … we tried to listen to her and give her what she needed.”

Corriveau leaned on her singing sisters and in the middle of healing came a spectacular invitation: The Sunshine Show Chorus would head to their first international competition since 2011.

The group performed one last time for family and friends in late October, donning ornate Willy Wonka-themed costumes and colorful makeup.

That same fanciful production won them second place in their division at the Kansas City Harmony Classic competition. Dennis said that the members felt thrilled by the results and proud of their work.

Yet, no matter the competition result, Corriveau is content in simply enjoying sharing her passion of singing with the chorus — a passion she once shared with her late daughter as well.

“She would not have me cry over here, or be in my corner and stay in my corner," she said. "She was a bubble of life and enjoyment. And that’s how I honor her, to keep smiling and keep enjoying life."