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Debra Shanley, 54, who also was a Dumont Board of Education trustee, was stabbed and bludgeoned to death by her estranged husband, who then tried to kill himself, authorities said.
Peter Shanley, 58, is under police guard at Hackensack University Medical Center, where he was treated for a neck wound and a broken ankle. A court appearance is tentatively set for tomorrow. (See: Popular educator murdered)
A tribute page on Facebook overflows with heartache. Just one of many poignant posts came from Jared Cardenas:
“Certain things just shouldn’t happen. When a person gives up their time to help and educate others, to helping our youth become the future, they should only be rewarded. A life that gives should never be taken. Any loss of life is a tragedy, but the loss of such a great educator’s life is the loss of many lives. So, to… Mrs. Shanley, a woman who was so full of life, and spunk, and kindness, and humor, thank you for all you’ve done. If bad things didn’t happen to good people, we’d be seeing you in the hallways today and tomorrow.”
Colleague Liz O’Connor Campbell added:
“Deb was a wonderful teacher who really reached out to her students. She was a superb colleague, always pouring her heart in to her lessons and volunteering her time. She was a wonderful friend
who I was just getting to know.”
Guidance counselors were available at the high school today for teens who needed someone to talk to.
Throughout the day, many of those who knew Debra Shanley openly shed tears.
“Unfortunately, they won’t bring her back,” Zimbileva said.
EDITOR’S NOTE: I hope I have done justice to Mrs. Shanley’s memory, with this and the other stories. I ask that anyone who took a photo at school today, please send it to: cliffviewpilot@gmail.com. I am collecting other remembrances, as well. Thank you to those who already have contributed so much to this memorial.
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