Death Of Beloved Teacher Mourned In Morris County

MORRISTOWN, NJ — The Morris County community will have an opportunity to celebrate the life of beloved third-grade teacher Lara Emanuele, who went missing in early June.

Emanuele, 46, worked as a teacher at Alexander Hamilton Elementary School in Morristown and served as a New Jersey public school teacher for 25 years, working in the Hackettstown School District and the Morris School District.

She will be remembered in a memorial mass at Assumption Church and Community Center, located at 91 Maple Avenue in Morristown, on Dec. 19.

From 4:30 until 5 p.m., friends and family can gather in the community center to pay their respects, followed shortly by a memorial mass.

In lieu of flowers, Emanuele's family has asked that memorial donations be made to: Ramapo Rescue Dog Association, PO box 864, Ramsey, NJ 07446.

Emanuele was first reported missing on June 7 after she had not returned home from work, authorities have said.

• Search For Missing Morris Co. Teacher Continues
• Beloved Morristown Teacher's Body Found After Months-Long Search
• Search For Missing North Jersey Teacher Drags On: What We Know
• New Footage Shows Missing Morris Co. Teacher Exiting Car
• Search Ends For Missing Morris County Teacher After 3 Months

"Mrs. Emanuele was a cherished member of our school family, known for her dedication, kindness, and passion for education. Her impact on the lives of her students and colleagues was immeasurable, and her absence will be deeply felt by all who knew her," Superintendent of Schools, Anne Mucci said.

Human remains were located on Nov. 19 in a wooded area off of Howard Boulevard and Route 80 in Roxbury Township, thanks to the help of the K9 tracking team, which had been searching for Emanuele.

While the cause and manner of death were still undetermined, Morris County Prosecutor Robert J. Carroll said there was no evidence to indicate that her death was suspicious.

"I realize her disappearance has also generated rumors on social media that foul play was involved. While a thorough investigation continues into her death, at this time, evidence points to Emanuele having taken her own life. This was a determination that could not have been made prior to the recovery of her body," Carroll said.

The Morris County Prosecutor's Office stated that they do not often reveal precise facts about suicide investigations; however, given the amount of interest in Emanuele's disappearance, some details will be shared.

According to investigators, on June 7, Emanuele stepped out of her car in the Mount Arlington Holiday Inn Express parking lot and departed the area on her own accord. Her cell phone was also discovered in her vehicle after her disappearance, along with a written note indicating she did not want to be found, according to officials.

"We hope that finding her will provide some sense of relief and help loved ones begin the healing process," Roxbury Police Chief Adone said.