Friends remember Coffland twins at open house

ST. CHARLES – The steps leading up to the Baker Community Center in St. Charles were decorated for a birthday party, with pink and pale purple balloons tied with matching ribbons swayed in the cool spring breeze March 14.

About 100 people attended the open house and birthday party for Tiffany and Brittany Coffland, who were shot and killed by their father a year ago. Randall Coffland also shot his wife, Anjum Coffland, in the legs and then took his own life.

Anjum Coffland said she wanted to host the event not only to mark what would have been the girls’ 18th birthdays, but to thank the community for its support during the past year.

St. Charles East Principal Dr. Charlie Kyle said he knew both Coffland girls.

"After a year like we had last year – losing two great students – it’s a good way to have some closure and remember the people that we lost,” Kyle said. “We miss them both. The student body misses them both as well. I wanted to pay my respects. It gives a lot of students who were connected to Brittany and Tiffany an opportunity to celebrate their lives."

Larissa Nava, 17, a senior at St. Charles East High School, said she had Brittany and Tiffany in a couple of her classes last year.

"We were classmates,” Nava said. “When this happened, I was as distraught as everyone else. … I felt the least I could do is pay my respects and be here to support her friends, her family. … Because they were just great kids.”

Natalie Biancofiori, 16, a junior at St. Charles East, said she and Brittany Coffland met at cheer camp and became very close as cheerleaders and gymnasts.

“I feel like I’m never going to forget the connection I shared with her,” Biancofiori said. “We were both gymnasts out of cheer team. … One of my favorite memories on our way to a cheer competition, we were sitting next to each other sharing our Nirvana songs. We were so happy together.”

Though she was closer to Brittany Coffland, Biancofiori said when she’d sleep over at the Coffland home, Tiffany was always welcoming to her. “Whenever I saw Tiffany in the hallway, she would smile at me,” Biancofiori said.

“I think this is the perfect way to remember them,” Biancofiori said of the birthday open house. “I don’t think a walk out, I don’t think a protest or anything is the way to remember them. We need to remember them how they reflected their lives in happiness and [in] gathering, not a walkout.”

Attendees were encouraged to write notes to Tiffany and Brittany Coffland and many wrote of how they missed the girls.

“Hey Brit and Tiff! I miss you girls so much! School isn’t the same without you guys,” was written on one note.

Another stated, “I miss you more than words can describe. I hope you are holding it down up there for us.” And, “Hey Girls! Happy 18th birthday. It’s a big one. I’m missing the two of you every day.”

Even the intricately decorated birthday cake declared, "We miss you."