Our whole family was saddened to learn of Alison's passing. We have such fond memories of her. I admire her that she was still going strong until the end. She had a passion for those less fortunate whether they been in prison unjustly or suffering from oppression or disease. She volunteered her time to help in so many many ways: at the English library, writing letters on behalf of prisoners, and helping others and at the church. She was always very encouraging to our family while we lived there. I loved her wit, sense of humor, her strength, and her candor. She will be very much missed and remembered.

Love,

April, Jason, Garrett & Rachel Kern

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I want to communicate to you what a profound impression Alison made upon me. I have never seen anyone so continually, uncompromisingly given to care for and help others. The hurdles she surmounted, the putting aside of herself, her pain, her inconvenience, her age, her "whatever-limitations-there-might-be" were NOT yielded to. She relentlessly demonstrated Christ's love.

I have since my return to the USA become more involved in charitable acts that require me to move outside my comfort and/or convenience zone. She is my shining example, well, she in the wake of our Lord's stellar life. I have grown because of having observed and walked a precious few steps alongside this lady. She sets the bar so high. I am a better person because of her.

In Christ's great love, Norma Fogelsong

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I stayed 9 months with Alson in her appartment. She was very energetic, I could hardly see her in the appartment as I was working full time! She left early the appartment , sometimes come back after midnight. She was always on the way. She liked inviting friends for meals and spent a lot of time in kitchen ! She also did two shifts (four hours) for the last "bank alimentaire collect" to replace a friend (Marie Colbert), who was suffering of knee pain at the time.

Lilan

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Merci à toi Alison pour ton courage,ton dévouement auprès des autres et des démunis en particulier, ta gentillesse,ta générosité,ton engagement et ta foi dans l'Eglise. Que ta vie nous serve d'exemple et nous guide sur le chemin. Je ne t'oublierai jamais.

Nadine

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Yes, we loved Alison and we know she was tireless worker for the poor and oppressed. I am so glad she didn't suffer anymore than she did. She loved the Lord and worked for him as well. Its only fitting he took her so fast. I would see her on Facebook all the time.

She was an amazing woman. Thank you for letting us know. I know she had children and David took such care of her. We will say some prayers for them. Allison is in a great place now, walking the streets of gold.

Betty Jenkins

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Alison's deep identification with the downtrodden and marginalized presented us a challenging reading of the gospel. With wit and humor she shared her causes and made her cases. May she rest in peace and may we carry on her hope.

With love, Sara

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It is a telling tribute to Alison that, despite not having seen her, or even exchanged a Christmas card, in the 28 years that have passed since spending a student year in Grenoble, I am hugely moved to read of her passing, and to find the beautiful reflections of others here resonating so powerfully with my own memories of this remarkable woman. Warmth, hospitality, commitment, sparkle, fierce loyalty, matriarchal compassion, terrier-like tenacity in fighting for the underdog, the lost, the last and the least……….all prompted, and enabled, by her love and devotion to Jesus, her Lord.

She was such fun to be with. What a privilege to be taken under her wing as a vulnerable teenager setting off on the adventure of adulthood, travel, work, life. Many are those, sadly, who fall off the Christian wagon for lack of an Alison Coulavin to encourage them and provide some godly wisdom, a bit of homely normality and a decent meal from time to time. I feel enormously blessed to have been the recipient of all that and more. I join countless others in giving thanks to God for her.

Tim Grew

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To me and my family, Alison was simply a mother. She took me as a son and used to tell me that I am of the same age with one of her sons. My children enjoyed good times with her when they were kids. Alison used to take them out for walk and picnics and she played important role in the cultural integration of my children. Thank you Alison for the love you showed us. We miss you.

Joseph