There are some very nice concealed carry purses out there. The gun goes into a separate compartment that can be locked. In mine, the gun is in a Velcro holder with the Velcro covering the trigger guard. I absent mindedly reach into the main compartment and grovel around for keys, wallet, etc. it would be so easy to hit the trigger accidentally. I would never put a gun into the main compartment. With all of those small children around, I would keep that special gun compartment locked. This poor lady made a deadly mistake.
The concealment purses are very reasonably priced, and better made, with better materials than regular purses. Here is one example, but there are many, many beautiful ones on ebay. Search for concealment purse. http://www.ebay.com/itm/172-NEW-STYLE-BROWN-Concealment-Concealed-Carry-CCW-Holster-Gun-Tote-Purse-/321629901419?pt=US_CSA_WH_Handbags&hash=item4ae2a2d26b
And this is exactly what the she was carrying. Her husband had just purchased it for her as a Christmas gift: