When I first met Maria, I was struck by how vibrant and warmhearted she was. It was as if every day was a birthday and every moment was a gift to be opened. Maria listened with immense understanding, spoke with great enthusiasm and had a unique gift of embracing everything with the joy and innocence of a child. One couldn’t help but be drawn to her. She inspired me as an artist, as a mother and as a human being. Underneath her humble demeanor, was a visionary, a life coach and a spiritual leader who led by example and never asked for anything in return. Savanah and I will miss her dearly.
Tags: Alison Leaf, forever, friend, killed, Maria Mikell, Novato, sudden