Friday, December 31, 1999
Hundreds grieve for teacher
Her smiles, kindness recalled
BY ANDREA TORTORA
The Cincinnati Enquirer
COVINGTON — Susan Schlarman always wore a smile for Holy Cross High School students, whether or not she was their teacher.
Hundreds of students, colleagues, friends and family sent smiles back to Mrs. Schlarman Thursday, as they paid their respects at Holy Cross Church.
“She was always laughing and smiling,” senior Julie Halpin said. “She really made an impact.”
Cheered by thoughts of the teacher they say affected more lives than she realized, those who knew Mrs. Schlarman said they wish others knew of her good works before she died.
An English teacher and director of the school's educational enhancement program, Mrs. Schlarman, 40, died Monday. She was struck by a car Sunday just outside her Brentwood Place home in Fort Thomas.
A neighbor, Jill Ott, 32, is charged with murder in Mrs. Schlarman's death. Ms. Ott is also charged with first-degree assault, driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident.
Mrs. Schlarman's family said they want to focus on the positive aspects of the teacher's life, not the tragic way she died. The school is taking those wishes to heart.
Mrs. Schlarman's class room has become a place for remembrance and reflection. Students wrote messages to the teacher on the chalk board:
“All the talks in the bathroom during lunch.”
“We'll miss you.”
“Thank you for the love and support you have brought to our lives. We will never forget you.”
"You were one of the greatest teachers I ever had. I (will) always keep you in my heart. You were one of the strongest people I ever met. I love you.'"
Visible from the windows inside Mrs. Schlarman's classroom Thursday was a line of mourners more than 300 people long, waiting to enter the church to say goodbye, and thank you.
The Holy Cross High School teacher made herself available when students needed a kind word, a help ing hand or a friend. She fought hard to start the educational enhancement program, which gives extra help to struggling students.
She helped publish the school newspaper and supervised first-year teachers. And she did all of these things while raising four children with her husband.
“She really is amazing,” senior Michele Busse said. “Any student in this building, everybody loved her, whether they had her or not. She always had a smile on her face.”
A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Cross Church. Burial will follow at Mother of God Cemetery in Fort Wright.
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