Our love, thoughts and prayers have been with our friend Steve Myrick since the tragic loss of his dear daughter Alli. I realized this week how much I, and all of his friends, have missed Steve since he left the neighborhood and ran off with Joe-the-cat to live on the sea. With Steve’s permission; below is the obituary he has written for his daughter.
Allison Marie Myrick of Groton, Massachusetts died January 23 in a senseless act of violence. She was 19, and a graduate of Groton Dunstable Regional High School, where she played soccer and lacrosse, and won a journalis…m award for her work designing and editing the school yearbook. She had just begun her second semester at Fitchburg State College where she was studying journalism and graphic design. She was a smart, sweet, talented, funny, irreverent, courageous, outspoken, compassionate, and gorgeous young woman.
Alli loved visiting Martha’s Vineyard, to sail and ride the Flying Horses Carousel. She loved going to her uncle Cliff’s dairy barn in Vermont, sometimes dancing in the feed bay, and kissing the cows. She loved to ski straight downhill without turning, and rode the biggest roller coasters she could find. She loved to express herself with creative things like dancing, drawing, design, and writing. She loved her pets and had a passion to save any forgotten or neglected animal. She put her energy into volunteering at MSPCA Nevins Farm, an animal shelter. She formed deep friendships instinctively, and remained unconditionally loyal to her friends. For some reason, she loved Cup ‘O Noodles.
Other than having Allison back, her family’s most fervent wish is that Allison’s death will raise awareness about abusive relationships. “Please take this as an example that this can happen to anyone,’’ her mother wrote in an eloquent statement shortly after her death. “If you are in a situation that is in any way abusive, no matter how small it may seem at first, please ask for help. You cannot fix this yourself, and no matter how many times your abuser says that he has changed, you cannot trust that.’’
Her family suggests that those who want to honor Allison’s life make donations in lieu of flowers. They have designated two organizations. One is Break the Cycle, a national organization which educates teens about dating violence and abusive relationships, and also advocates for progressive laws and policy changes. The group is currently working to improve laws in Massachusetts. You may give on line at: www.breakthecycle.org/donate; by phone at, 310-286-3383 x805; by mail at, Break the Cycle, 5777 W. Century Blvd., Suite 1150, Los Angeles, CA, 90045. Put Allison’s name on the check.
The other organization is the Curtis Vance Memorial Orchard, based in a peaceful Vermont orchard established in memory of an extended relative who died of ALS. This is an organization founded by members of Allison’s extended family to raise money for ALS research. Her uncle Dennis is currently living with ALS (sometimes called Lou Gehrig’s disease). She was passionate about raising money for the Orchard, and other ALS organizations. Checks can be mailed to the Curtis Vance Memorial Orchard, c/o Linda Vance, P.O. Box 186, Danville, VT, 05828. All donations go directly to researchers who have treated or studied members of Alli’s family. Again, put Allison’s name on the check.
Allison is survived by her mother Susan (Sleeper) Myrick, her father Steve Myrick, her sister Rebecca Myrick, her grandfather Charlie Myrick, husband of the late Calista Myrick, and her grandfather Norman Sleeper, husband of the late Marie Sleeper. She is also survived by the families of four uncles: Dennis, his wife Rosaleen, daughters Maura, Ashleigh, Aaron, and Alexandra Myrick; John, his wife Karen, and daughters Sarah, Emily, and Elizabeth Myrick; Andrew, his wife Deonne, and children Olivia, Lily, and Calvin Myrick; John, his wife Elaine, and children Kevin and Mathew Sleeper, Bonnie Stride and Eric Morrison. She is survived by the family of one aunt: Cyndi, her husband Thomas, and children Tyler, and Victoria Briggs.
Visiting hours are planned Friday, January 29 from 4:00 p.m. To 8:00 p.m. at the Badger Funeral Home, 45 School Street, Groton, Massachusetts. All are welcome. A private memorial service is planned later.
