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School community remembers beloved staff member

This colorful bulletin board serves as a memorial for Craven where students and staff can reflect and remember the happy times they had with her at the school. Reminder photo by Natasha Clark
By Natasha Clark

Reminder Assistant Editor



LONGMEADOW During her 17 years working for the Longmeadow School District, Karen Craven put a smile on countless faces.

Her co-workers and dear friends light up when reminiscing about her Halloween costumes and unlimited generosity. It's evident that she left a mark on the lives of many, and those at Glenbrook Middle School want her place in their history remembered forever.

Craven died last month after battling cancer, but one step inside Glenbrook shows that her spirit lives on. Students and faculty have dedicated a bulletin board to her. Filled with well wishes and photographs of fun times, the board is a reminder that Craven will be missed.

In her honor, a garden with a memorial marker will be constructed at Glenbrook. Additionally, a donation will be made for the education of Andersen Craven, Craven's grandchild.

Craven, an East Longmeadow resident, worked for several years as the office secretary for Glenbrook.

"She always made everyone feel welcome and safe," said retired teacher Gail Meehan. "She had so many excellent qualities. So many felt she was the heart of the school."

Meehan said the students immediately made things for the board dedicated to Craven.

"They felt they needed a way to express their grief," she said.

Glenbrook teacher Dorian Jones said Craven was classic for her Halloween get-ups.

"She did it with such flair," Jones said. "She's missed. We lost a good friend."

Former Glenbrook Vice Principal and friend Andrea Campbell had special words to share about Craven.

She wrote:

The Longmeadow Public Schools lost a cherished member of its community on Sept. 14, 2006. Karen Craven, a 17-year employee and most recent secretary to the principal at GMS, lost her battle with cancer, but won her quest for a meaningful life.

Beloved by students and staff and highly regarded by all with whom she dealt, Karen was characterized by her unmatched kindness and professionalism. Deemed unflappable, she solved problems and effected solutions with an amazing sense of humor and never an unkind word.

For Karen, it was a joy to come to work, and her enthusiasm and love of children was transmitted to those around her. All would agree that the 'heart and soul' of GMS was embodied in her spirit.

Whether it was baking brownies for a student meeting, chaperoning trips and school functions, making Halloween costumes for staff, writing and reciting poems for retirees, planting and watering flowers on weekends, or volunteering her other many talents to make GMS a better place, Karen was always there to lead and to contribute.

As a consummate professional, Karen took advantage of many professional development opportunities to increase her knowledge and proficiency.

She served as the educational support personnel liaison to the district's professional development committee, secretary of the Longmeadow Education Association, and was a valued member of Glenbrook's crisis team and administrative council."

Those wishing to contribute to Craven's grandchild's education may send donations to

Gail Meehan

c/o Glenbrook Middle School

110 Cambridge Circle

Longmeadow, MA 01106.



A dedication ceremony will take place in the spring for the garden with memorial marker.