Lecturer Dr Antonella Castelvedere vigil in Colchester

Dr Antonella Castelvedere, 52, was killed at her home in Wickham Road, Colchester on Wednesday, June 1.

Ertan Ersoy, 50, of Wickham Road has been charged with murder following her death.

Dr Castelvedere’s vigil was organised by the South Essex Women's Equality Party and the Eye of Boudica who work towards empowering women.

Many of her neighbours and loved ones grieved her loss together and laid flowers down in her memory this evening at Abbey Field in Colchester.

Antonella was a senior lecturer and course leader for English literature with creative writing and language.

Dr Patricia Gillies, a lecturer of early modern literature at the University of Essex, said: “She was utterly charming and gentle and a wonderful teacher.

“She was absolutely excellent, wonderful to students and wonderful to work with.

“She is very much remembered and loved by her colleagues.

“She had a deep and complex understanding of literary texts and conveyed them so clearly to students.

“If anyone could make anything live around her, it would be Antonella.”

Rowena Macaulay, a former adult student, said: “Antonella was genuinely a really memorable, wonderful and impressive woman.

“She had a lot of joy in her and laughed easily.

“She was a fantastic teacher, considering it was adult education she always held us accountable and wanted us to do our homework.

“She was one of the most warm, smart, witty, joy filled woman I have ever met.

“It is incredibly sad that her energy has been distinguished and she won’t have any more years with her little girl.”

Sam McLean, a councillor for New Town and Christ Church ward said: “This is a tragedy and it is sending ripples through the community.”

Vinice Cowell, the branch manager of the South Essex branch of Women’s Equality, said: “It is important that we keep remembering collectively.

“It is important to bring awareness to her life, she was important and deserves to be remembered.”