Memorial Dedicated To Paramus Bus Crash Victims

PARAMUS, NJ —Jennifer Williamson paid attention to peoples’ feelings. If they were sad, she would do something to make them laugh. Comforting people, that is what Williamson was known for.

Now, there is a memorial in her memory where people can continue her work.

A memorial in memory of Williamson, 51, and one of her students, Miranda Vargas, 10, was dedicated in Besen Park Saturday. They were on a field trip from East Brook Middle School to Waterloo Village when they died in a horrific school bus crash on Interstate 80 a year ago Friday. The memorial is composed of a newly-planted tree and two benches, one for each victim.

"She would have loved it," said Williamson's mother, Dolores who went to the dedication ceremony. "It is surrounded by all the things she loved. She was a great animal lover and loved anything to do with nature. I knew she was special, but I had no idea how overwhelmingly special she was to so many people."

Williamson's friends spoke about her at the dedication ceremony.

"Jen had this amazing way of making everyone around her feel like they were so special. The way she listened, really listened to you. The way she knew just what to say to make your day a little brighter," said Christine Diaz, one of Williamson's closest friends and her former teaching partner. "I can’t think of a single time that Jen wasn’t there for me when I needed her."

The memorial borders East Brook Middle School. A small bridge connects the park with the school property.

"It is a place where her family and friends can feel connected to Jen," Cindy Barham said. "It's the perfect spot to go and sit and talk and connect with friends and family."

Barham organized a fundraiser to fund the memorial's creation. She is a former Paramus resident and owns Lou's Tavern in Hillsdale. Koch Monument in Hackensack donated a memorial marker placed near the tree. Eisele's Nursery and Garden Center in Paramus donated the sapling, Barham said.

Williamson's brother, Doug said his sister would have loved the memorial.

"Jen would have smiled," he said. "I was so taken aback by the whole memorial and the support of everyone who was there."

Related:

• Paramus Community Mourns Dedicated Teacher Killed In Crash
  
• Teacher Makes Paramus Strong Bracelets To Help Local Families
• East Brook Alumnus Pens Song In Support Of Paramus Crash Victims

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com