NORWAY — The SAD 17 community is mourning the death of beloved Rowe Elementary School guidance counselor Lynette Eldridge, who was found unresponsive at her desk Wednesday morning.

Eldridge, who worked for the school districct for 27 years, was found at her desk before school opened and personnel from PACE Ambulance Service attempted to revive her. She was pronounced dead before 9:15 a.m.

“We’re struggling with it,” Principal George “Beaux” Sincerbeaux said Wednesday. “She’s been the leader of the guidance and social work community, everything. She’s been there for every student, every parent, every staff member. There wasn’t anyone’s life she hasn’t touched,” he said.

Sincerbeaux said Superintendent Rick Colpitts was immediately on the scene.

“He stayed with us right through it. He did everything,” Sincerbeaux said.

Students were told there was a medical emergency with a staff member and were dismissed from school at 10:15 a.m. and given a letter to take home to parents telling them specifically what had happened.

On Wednesday afternoon, staff members met at the school to develop ideas to honor their longtime friend and colleague.

Eldridge was appointed to the SAD 17 staff in 1987 as a school counselor and has worked at the school since then. She was a resident of Poland where she and her husband, William, were very active in their community and as parishioners at the First Universalist Church in Auburn, where Eldridge taught Sunday School.

“She has been active in the church as a whole for decades. She raised her kids in the church. I think her passion was the children’s program,” the Rev. Jodi Cohen Hayashida said. 

“She was instrumental in making sure (the religious education) program continued and thrived,” she said. “She was a constant presence and voice on how to strengthen the program.”

In 2012, the First Universalist Church of Auburn awarded its 2012 Rose Window to Eldridge. The annual award cites members who have been outstanding models of Unitarian Universalist principles and recognizes their exceptional contributions to the faith community.

At the time of the award, Hayashida said, “When I consider Lynn, I see someone who believed in the value of a particular program, and understood that believing in a vision for that program wasn’t enough.”

In Poland, Megquier Hill neighbor and former Selectman Peter Bolduc remembered the couple’s coming and going on the hill in their “Sunday best,” and the passion Eldridge had for her perennial garden.

“She had an absolutely fantastic perennial garden,” he said.

Bolduc served on a number of local committees with William Eldridge.

Sincerbeaux said district counselors will meet at the school early Thursday morning to prepare for arrival of students.

“All hands will be here,” he said.

Eldridge was due to retire at the end of the school year, the same time as Sincerbeaux.

“She was my best friend,” Sincerbeaux said.

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