Manchester Schools Preschool Aide Remembered As 'Wonderful Soul'

MANCHESTER, NJ — A woman who died after a motor vehicle crash on Saturday is being remembered as "a wonderful soul" who loved working with preschool children in the Manchester Township Schools and volunteered in the community.

Patricia Ford died Saturday after her SUV hit a tree in the Whiting section. Authorities believe she had a medical episode before the crash. She was 80 years old.

"Ms. Ford was new to Whiting School but not to the Whiting community or the Manchester Township School District family," the Manchester Township Schools said in a statement. "She was a long-time resident of Whiting with deep roots in this area through her residency and years of work with local preschool children."

"She was proud of the work she did with Manchester’s youngest learners and the ability to have been finishing out her career at Whiting School," the district said.

Ford also was a life member of the Whiting Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary.

"She had a long family history within our organization; something she was always proud of. Our condolences go out to her family during this time," the fire company said.

People who worked with and knew Ford commented on the police department's Facebook post about the crash, sending condolences to her family.

"She was my coworker at Lakewood Head Start," wrote Claudia Yañez-Chaparro. "I can’t believe this tragedy. She was a great person, I learned a lot with her."

"Pat was a truly wonderful soul," Kate Ecke wrote. "She will be incredibly missed by all that knew and loved her."

The Manchester Township School District was offering support services for staff members and students impacted by Ford's death.

Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced.