I knew a woman who believed that each of us makes the world a better place; that in the time we are alotted, we will give back more than just a fraction of what we take. The woman believed in goodness and salvation and lived an honorable and noble life - giving back in the name of us all.

Anne Gordon died last week. And, in the moments before her death, she prayed for the soul of the young man who would take her life. She died as she had lived. With valor.

I met Anne when I was just a child and, over the years, cherished her as a source of joy and inspiration. She worked as a housekeeper for my family and I remember telling her how sad I felt that she straightened our house, when she had her own home to care for, as well as a full time job. She would tell me not to worry -- that hers was good, honest work, that she loved me and my family and that the income she received from us was used for important work. While I didn't understand back then, I do today. Anne Gordon was a woman who exemplified the very nature of God and that important work she spoke of, was service to her church.

Twenty years ago, my family left Wisconsin for another part of the country. About the same time, Anne founded a church and became Pastor Anne Gordon, lovingly tending to those who looked to her for spiritual guidance. As often happens when time and distance intervene, at first I saw Anne a handful of times; however, as the years passed, we lost touch. It wasn't until we moved back to Wisconsin, that I found her again. I had planned to surprise my 90-year-old mother with a visit to Pastor Anne's church. Sadly, the opportunity to reconnect with our old friend has passed, and our visit to her church will be to say goodbye at her funeral.

Surely, the violent death of such a beloved woman has shaken a community to its core and nothing could relieve the sense of loss and sadness; however, anyone who was touched by Anne, buoyed and lifted by her strength of spirit might take comfort in these few words from the Old Testament:

"Give her the fruits of her hands and she will be praised at the gates by her very own deeds."