Response to ‘In Honour of Lois’
Letter to the Editor, Woodstock Sentinel Review
Sue McPherson
Submitted Dec 28, 2005
In the article, In Honour of Lois, Dec 28, 2005 ( the emphasis on Lois Mordue is as a victim of domestic violence rather than of murder. Of course, the two can go hand in hand, but there is a possibility that, in this case, domestic violence wasn't the main problem in the marriage, and that it was not the underlying reason for the murder. It was reported in an earlier article, on Aug 11, that "there is not indication of a history of abuse between the Mordues." Also, " The couple’s separation wasn’t recent, the chief said."
I am concerned to see the social issue of domestic violence used in a way that distorts the meaning of the term. From mention of her in other articles, Lois Mordue doesn't come across as being a victim. Yes, she was murdered, but people can be murdered without being victims of domestic violence. At age 59, she had moved on from her marriage, and was living a happy life in her own home, according to one article (Aug 12), and had been working at the Woodstock General Hospital until her death. Where her husband worked had not been reported in articles I read, but he did seem to be a troubled person, from things reported about him. It's a tragedy when someone dies under such circumstances, but looking at it only from the perspective of domestic violence, of one spouse towards the other, limits an understanding of the circumstances of both of their lives. Domestic violence, in one respect, is about power, but who had the greater power in that relationship has not been mentioned.
I have another concern, and that is that the case has not yet gone to trial, but Erland Mordue is already being described as a perpetrator of domestic violence as well as as a murderer. From what has appeared in the media, Lois Mordue comes across as well-adjusted and thriving in her life without her husband. Unless there was a history of domestic abuse, the killing of Lois Mordue might better be considered separately, rather than being seen as an example of domestic violence. It is tragic when someone is murdered, leaving behind their family to grieve. But premature attempt to deal with the matter can lead to further social injustice unless attempts are made to view the circumstances dispassionately.
Sue McPherson
Colchester, England
Oshawa, since 2007
Letter placed onto the S A McPherson website July 2009
previously unpublished