Friends and family paid their respects Friday to Millicent Morros of Goshen. The 48-year old was killed Monday morning on her way to work by her ex-lover, 51-year-old John Eric Haitsma.
WSBT's talked with Millicent's sister, Shelby Engelberg. She shared some thoughts about what happened to Millicent.
Engelberg said Millicent enjoyed taking care of her garden and loved her cats – cats Engelberg is now caring for.
Police say Haitsma approached Morros when she got out of her car. They talked briefly, then Haitsma, a former Goshen police officer, pulled out a gun and shot her before killing himself.
Engelberg says Millicent and Eric dated for 6 years and were engaged. The family saw him often and liked him.
"I never believed in my wildest dreams that he would do something like that to her," explained Engelberg.
However, Millicent broke off the engagement and Engleberg helped her move out of the house the couple shared at the end of January.
That's when Engelberg says she saw a different side of Eric. He was furious and "was cussing" at Millicent as she packed up.
"He couldn't handle the fact she left him," Engelberg said, then added "It's unimaginable to have this happen twice."
Millicent's murder is eerily similar to the murder of her older sister, Valorie Morros, 23 years ago on Valentine's Day.
An ex-boyfriend shot and killed her too, then killed himself. Engelberg says her sisters were only a year a part in age.
She wants Millicent remembered for her strong will, strong mind and caring personality.
A visitation for Millicent was held Friday night at Halbritter Funeral Home in Niles.
Millicent graduated from Niles High School and most of her family still lives there.
The family says she will be cremated.
Engelberg said police told her they found a suicide note in Haitsma's truck which was found at the murder scene.
The family does not know what it says.
Morros was only three classes away from getting her Bachelor's Degree from Goshen College.
A scholarship fund has been set up in her memory.
