It is with gratitude and great sadness that we share the recent loss of three women who had a profoundly positive impact on our community. We have said good-bye to Elizabeth "Beth" Hudson-Hankins, Jean Romano, and Renee Murphy.
In addition to the many mental health services Beth Hudson-Hankins provided in and around our community, she was a social worker at Windham High School in the 1990’s and responsible for starting their Gay-Straight Alliance and supporting their Peer Mediation Program. I am certain there are many Whippets who remember Beth fondly.
https://www.thegreencremation.com/obituaries/Elizabeth-Beth-A-Hudson-Hankins?obId=32796500
Marjorie “Jean” Romano founded Compañeros, our Two Way Dual Language Program. The first of its kind in the state of Connecticut, Compañeros recently celebrated its 30th Anniversary. We were lucky to have been able to thank “la Madrina” in person at the 30th Celebration in May. The testimonials shared by former students that day were proof of the enormous impact of this program. Compañeros has simply become part of the district’s DNA.
https://www.potterfuneralhome.com/obituary/Marjorie-Romano
Renee Murphy loved all children, which made her such an asset to Windham Public Schools, where she worked tirelessly for 34 years. As an Administrative Assistant in the Pupil Services Department, she interacted with many departments and groups across the district to make sure all students had what they needed in order to succeed.
https://www.baconfh.com/obituaries/Renee-Louise-Murphy?obId=32989268
On behalf of the district, we thank these women for their contributions to Windham Public Schools. May they rest in peace knowing that they truly made a difference in the world.