Well-loved coach Alma Neville died on 15 October 2011 aged just 52 after losing a bravely-fought battle against a brain tumour. Below, two of her friends and work colleagues pay tribute to her:

Marianne Craig, co-founder, Mirus Coaching for Social Change, writes:

My friend Alma died of a brain tumour on 15 October (2011), aged 52.  In 2005 we set up Mirus Coaching for Social Change, because we wanted to make a social impact beyond our business. Both coaches for more than ten years, we shared a commitment to human rights and sustainability. Creating Mirus was fun and challenging, and Alma and I wept tears and laughter along the way. We brought coaches together to work with activists and other change-makers working to make a difference. To date through Mirus we have coached many inspiring individuals, supporting them to be resilient and more effective in their endeavours.

Alma was, like all of us, an ordinary human making her way in the world, facing life’s challenges.  She was also, like all of us, an extraordinary human being, unique and amazing in her own way.  Her warmth and humanity and her commitment to her friends, family and clients were outstanding.  She adored her four sons, she loved Salsa music and all things Latin; she was passionate about coaching and about social justice. She liked a really good laugh. It was humbling to observe her courage and endurance during her debilitating treatments.
……. I will never forget Alma’s steadfastness, nor her bubbly presence. She was a sparkling fountain, a force for good in the world, a committed professional woman.  Her work and her influence live on in all who crossed her path, and beyond.
 
Aboodi Shabi & Laura van Tuin of Newfield Europe write:

Every year that Newfield’s coach training programme has had a presence in Europe, Alma has been with us, starting as a participant in 2004/5, and then being room manager ever since. This will be the first year that Alma will not begin a programme with us, which is both deeply sad and also unbelievable.

But, you will be with us. Your delightful dancing presence, your love for the work and the students, your heart, and, above all your soul.

In our eyes, and in the eyes of our grads and colleagues, you have exemplified the essential qualities of a coach – your presence, your lightness, your tenderness, your playfulness, and, most importantly, your deep care for your coachees, and for the work.

…….Your presence will live on inside of us.