Community Mourns Loss Of Gloucester Township Kindergarten Teacher

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ - Gloucester Township residents recalled a kindergarten teacher who loved life and cared for her students and community before her life tragically came to an end last week.

Michelle Barrett, 46, of the Blackwood section of the township, was killed in a two-car crash on Erial Road on Tuesday, Dec. 4. She was a kindergarten teacher at Chews Elementary School for 20 years, and touched the lives of everyone she came into contact with.

"We are saddened by the loss of Mrs. Barrett, we crossed path with her, myself and my oldest daughter, as she attends Chews," one Sicklerville resident wrote. "No matter if you were one of her current students or former student she knew your name and always called you by name. Even at church you would always take time to say hello and even called my daughter by name. You have left a wonderful impact on so many people. May you RIP. To your husband, girls and family cherish the memories because I know there are thousands of them. You will be forever missed."

Memories came in from families of children who had her as a teacher most recently or in the past, but everyone felt fortunate to have known her.

"Michelle ("Mrs.") Barrett was a blessing to everyone who knew her," one family recalled in the testimonial section of her online obituary. "She made the world a better place in so many ways and she will be sorely missed. We met her as the kindergarten teacher of all three of our girls (10', 13', 15') and later grew to know her as a dear family friend along with John, Kayla and Gianna. She was a great teacher but an even more amazing person, giving us all an example of how we should spend our own lives by sharing our blessings and being kind and loving to others. We should all honor her memory by following her example."

"We are heartbroken over the loss of Jacob's kindergarten teacher," a Somerdale resident wrote. "Michelle was truly an incredible teacher who genuinely loved her students like they were her own children. I was privileged to spend a lot of time with her last year while volunteering in Jacob's class. She was such a kind, loving and funny woman. I was as enamored by her love of life and love of children as much as her students. We are forever grateful for her presence in our lives. May God bless your family in the coming days and weeks ahead. We will keep you in our prayers and Michelle will always have a special place in our hearts. God bless you always."

One person from West Deptford recalled meeting Barrett as a child.

"Remember her as a cute little girl when I met her family at church and played guitar next her Father and family," a West Deptford resident wrote. "She always had a smile on her face. I know she touched many families as a teacher. May she rest in peace and may eternal light shine upon her."

She was killed in an accident in which both cars were left overturned on Erial Road on Tuesday, Dec. 4. She was the driver of one car. The passenger in her car was treated for unknown injuries, and the driver of the other car suffered minor injuries.

Her full obituary can be found below:

Michelle M. Barrett (nee Crupi), of Blackwood, formerly of Runnemede, died on December 4, 2018, at the age of 46. Beloved wife of John. Devoted mother of Kayla and Gianna. Loving daughter of Frank and Marie Crupi. Dear sister of Linda, Donna and Diana. Also, survived by many nieces, aunts, uncles and one nephew.

Michelle was a Kindergarten Teacher at Chews Elementary School and a CCD Teacher at St. Charles Borromeo Church. Michelle was very active in St. Agnes and St. Charles Borromeo churches. There will be a viewing Monday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Tuesday morning from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Gardner Funeral Home in Runnemede.

Funeral Mass is noon on Tuesday at Our Lady of Hope Parish, St. Agnes RC Church, 701 Little Gloucester Road, Blackwood, NJ. Interment at St. Joseph's Cemetery, Chews Landing. In lieu of flowers, donations may be given for the benefit of Kayla and Gianna by making a check payable to Friends of Michelle Barrett and sending to TD Bank, 601 College Drive, Blackwood, NJ 08012. Family and friends may share memories at www.GardnerFuneralHome.com.

See related:

Kindergarten Teacher Killed In 2-Car Crash In Gloucester: Police

1 Killed In 2-Car Crash In Gloucester Township: Police

Image via Gardner Funeral Home