By JOSEPH EDGERTON
jedgerton@yourneighborhoodnews.com
Family, friends, faculty and students gathered to remember Nancy Jones at a memorial ceremony at Riddle Brook School.
On Wednesday, Sept. 13, students and teachers dedicated a granite planter and a plaque to Jones, who worked as a nurse at the Peter Woodbury and Riddle Brook schools prior her death in December.
“She had the task of dealing with difficult patients, like me,” said Peter Woodbury Principal Ken Williams. “She looked out for all of us, adults and children. The most cherished job Nancy had was being a mom. She was all about family.”
Leslie Fredette, a second- grade teacher at Memorial, said Jones filled numerous roles for many people, and always had a kind word for everyone.
“She was not only interested in the welfare of the students, but in working to make family life and school life come together,” she said. “I think that Nancy gave us a model of how we can behave and care for each other. She never looked for praise or recognition.”
Superintendent of Schools Tim Mayes said he knew Jones only briefly, but found her to be an inspiration.
“I heard about how she dealt with the kids, and how they were always comfortable going to see her,” he said. “She listened to them and helped them and made sure they got back to class. Our nurses thought the world of Nancy, not just as a professional but as a person.”
Jones’ husband, Bill Jones, said it takes little effort to think of Nancy with a smile.
“It’s wonderful to see how all of her colleagues and friends turned out,” he said. “I’m just overwhelmed with this tribute to Nancy. It’s very special to us.”
Denise Roy, a secretary at the school, said the planter of flowers was picked because gardening was one of Jones’ favorite activities.
“She was a good friend, and a kind, compassionate person,” said Roy. “I loved watching her at hockey games, because she never yelled at anybody, and even when the rest of us were crazy, she cheered just as hard for the rest of the kids. That’s just the kind of person she was.”