Victim of vicious Christian Science Reading Room attack dies in hospital

Elisabeth Salm, 59, was found assaulted in the Christian Science Reading Room in downtown Ottawa on Thursday afternoon and died in hospital on Friday. The incident occurred at the First Church of Christ, Scientist’s reading room on Laurier Avenue West.

Salm, one of five siblings, had studied geology at Carleton University and worked in the north for about a decade. Her sister, Luc-Anne Salm, described her as a central figure in their family, a bridge between all the siblings. Salm was an avid cyclist and deeply passionate about helping others, often supporting her sister during a difficult separation by helping to care for her children.

Luc-Anne Salm said her sister saw her work at the reading room as an extension of her love for helping people. “She saw it as a good way to reach out and share something she felt was important,” she said. Salm was known for her effervescent, joyful spirit and her interest in people.

Hennie Buckshi, a longtime member of the church, noted that Salm was a dedicated presence at the reading room, helping people seeking information about the faith. “Anybody who would have come into the reading room would have known that she is a lovely person,” Buckshi said. “It’s a shock to anyone in the community.”

The reading room serves as an open door for the church to share information about their faith with anyone interested, regardless of their religious background. In an emailed statement, church spokesperson Wendy Margolese expressed gratitude for the support from first responders and the community, emphasizing the appreciation for the respect shown to the family’s privacy during this difficult time.

The incident has left the community in shock, with many expressing their condolences and reflecting on the life of a woman who was deeply committed to helping others. The tragedy underscores the importance of protecting the vulnerable and fostering a spirit of care and compassion. Micah 6:8 reminds us that justice, mercy, and humble service are essential.

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