Charlotte Spinney, "A Westborough Institution" Dies At 81

WESTBOROUGH, MA — Westborough educator and mentor, Charlotte Spinney, passed away on Wednesday morning. Spinney was 81-years-old. News of her passing sent waves throughout the Westborough community — many neighbors took to Facebook to grieve and share memories.

Spinney served as an educator in the Westborough school system for decades and had a passion for helping and educating youth. In 1995, Spinney started a scholarship for middle school students at risk of falling behind before high school. The Charlotte Spinney Vision Scholarship was given to a deserving Gibbons Middle School student each year and offered mentoring for the remainder of the student’s Westborough school career as well as financial aid. Westborough students still enjoy the benefits of the scholarship today.

A friend and fellow rotarian, Betsy Moquin called Spinney and amazing, generous and thoughtful person. "She knew everyone," Moquin laughed, reminiscing on dinners out with Spinney where seemingly the whole restaurant wanted to say hello to her before they left. "Any time you went out with Charlotte and she introduced you to someone, you left with a new friend," Moquin said.

Spinney's ability to connect with people never went unnoticed and it was only matched by her drive to help others. "She never wanted the spotlight," Moquin said, "She was happy to just quietly help people and that's what she did."

An outpouring of love and support was visible on social media from all corners of the town on Wednesday. Westborough Chief of Police Jeffrey Lourie posted a lengthy tribute to Spinney on the department's Facebook page, calling her "truly a Westborough institution." He recounted how he met Spinney, at a Taco Tuesday at Central House, and how their friendship blossomed.

Lourie's post reads in part:

"I believe that Charlotte is smiling down on all of us at this very moment holding a frosty Sam Adams adult beverage and with a wink and a nod telling us to carry on in her memory. Carry on we will Westborough with heavy hearts, as we remember and mourn the loss of such a very special person. Miss. Charlotte Spinneys’ vision and legacy will live on as we continue with her mission of caring, educating and supporting all those Westborough and beyond our borders. "

The Rotary Club of Westborough also shared a short tribute in honor of Spinney, posting photos of her at a Westborough event, smiling and holding a bundle of American flags. The club planned a memorial celebration at 10 a.m. on August 10 at Westborough High School.

Karen Henderson, a member of the Charlotte Spinney Vision Scholarship Program called Spinney "A true Westborough icon and treasure for many, many years."

Friends and neighbors commented their love and grief in Facebook posts. "All your efforts while with us have secured an amazing legacy that will continue to touch many lives for years to come," one comment reads, "Thank you, Ms. Spinney. You were an inspiring teacher and I am grateful to have been one of you students," another reads.

Funeral arrangements have not been released yet.