On July 7, Shannon McDowell, 42, who worked as a Special Education teacher at Warren Hills for 12 years and introduced Best Buddies , passed away.

McDowell was born on August 11, 1974, in Marengo, Iowa.  She moved to New Jersey after graduating from Benton Community High School and then worked as a nanny for several years.  After caring for an autistic child, McDowell studied at Kean University and graduated with a degree in Special Education in 2005, leading to her career at Warren Hills.

After she came to Warren Hills, McDowell also started the Warren Hills chapter of Best Buddies, an organization dedicated to ending the isolation associated with intellectual and developmental disabilities.  After she had fallen ill, McDowell continued to affect the children of her classroom by sending them gifts.

“She took pride in her kids,” said Cynthia Geier, a Special Education paraprofessional who worked closely with McDowell.  “She took pride in knowing that they were taken care of, that they were the priority.  She would even buy these kids blankets when they graduated, and had them made special with her own money.”

Senior Sarah Gilligan was well-acquainted with McDowell, who worked with her in Best Buddies. Gilligan also recognized McDowell’s connection with the students.

“Mrs. McDowell impacted her students in such a way that there was never a moment that one of her students felt uncared for. She made sure to give equal attention to all of her students, which in such small classes and with students with such different personal needs, was tough,” Gilligan said.

McDowell did everything she could to help her students succeed and give them a fair chance in society.

“She was a role model for students and teachers alike,” said Gilligan.  “She was a beautiful soul who changed the lives of many, whether she recognized it or not.  She was the source of positivity in some of these kids’ lives that they will forever carry with them.”

Margaret Devine, Warren Hills Librarian, a close coworker of McDowell, recalled working with her.

“I weigh my words heavily.  She was a kind and giving person,” she said. “She had a positive attitude that was contagious, and it greatly impacted the staff and students.”

Carolyn Tauriello, a Special Education paraprofessional, worked with McDowell for seven years, described her as a caring person with a big heart, who was always very courageous through her illness.

“Courage and strength,” Tauriello said about McDowell.  “She was a courageous woman for battling through all she had.  She was brave through everything she went through.”