It is with great sadness that I share with you the death of my very dear friend Alice. She was murdered by her ex-boyfriend - John Albert Coles - who is now legally guilty of 1st degree murder. To read about his sentencing click on
Here is Susan's very generous (she did it in honor of Alice at no charge) and beautiful portrait of Alice. THANK YOU so much Susan! It is a wonderful tribute to Alice!
Alice was a kind, generous, smart, loving and gentle person. A truly beautiful person in presence and in spirit. She would reach out to anyone in need and tried to see the best in people. It is my belief that her murderer took full advantage of these endearing qualities.
When I learned of her death, the feeling of shock was indescribable. Alice had become a battered woman and as I have learned is sometimes typical of a battered woman, she tried to handle the situation herself. Most of her friends and family did not know what was going on. I did not know. Her bruises and injuries of the past several months of her life were all explained away as various types of accidents.
I have been reading up on domestic violence and what I am learning is horrific and sad. There has got to be a way for all of us to help those abused by people that they know. Maybe by becoming more aware, we can at least help someone in this type of situation someday. The fact is that abuse can and often does escalate into murder. And it can happen at any age - no age is too young or too old for this type of victimization.
Please read up on what the experts advise - first and foremost - advise your friend, acquaintance or loved one to use the national domestic violence hotline:
1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
I have made this magnet in memory of Alice who loved the color purple. I can make more of these for Alice if you'd like some - email nrotman@aol.com. They are free. I can make them in other colors for other victims as well.
Front: Back:
Alice did not deserve to die at the hands of someone she knew and at least at first, trusted. No one does. Let's try to help by becoming educated!
Thank you.
www.ncadv.org (National Coalition Against Domestic Violence)
www.nbcf.org (Nicole Brown Charitable Foundation)