The STOPLight

Memorial service held for victims of murders

On September 30, 1996 a different sort of memorial service was held in Minneapolis. It’s sole purpose was to remember and honor 22 people—all unrelated except that each had been murdered in the last four years in circumstances involving prostitution and/or drugs.

The service was the idea of Eugénie de Rosier who felt that the community ought to honor all its dead. Her heart was touched by several newspaper articles about the murders. In one, the reporter stated that few people mourned the deaths of the murder victims.

Because of its reputation for welcoming people of diverse backgrounds, Eugénie called St. Stephen’s Church and proposed a memorial service. Her idea was "enthusiastically received" and word began to spread. Organizations that serve people in prostitution were contacted and invited to attend and participate. Families and friends of victims, law enforcement workers, media and the general public were invited.

The memorial service included music, poetry, Scripture readings and an opportunity for participants to speak. A simple banner hung in the sanctuary listing the names of those murdered. Among those who spoke were several survivors of prostitution, a police investigator and family members of the victims. An estimated 200 people attended.

Although she knew little about prostitution before the service, afterward Eugénie "understood how important it was to offer a forum where women could talk about their experiences; where the community could see them in a new light and understand the horror of their situations." She was impressed by the "tremendous strength of will, courage and hard work" it takes for women in prostitution to change their lives.

Eugénie’s main goal was for the community to honor those murdered. She feels this was accomplished and that the service had simplicity, dignity and elegance. The knowledge and insight people received will ripple and widen as they share their new understanding with others.