Toms River Math Teacher Remembered For Kindness, Generosity

TOMS RIVER, NJ — A Toms River Intermediate East teacher who died Jan. 10 is being remembered for her kindness and generosity by the community and by the Toms River Regional School District.

"She was a beloved teacher, mother, wife, daughter and friend who touched the lives of many as her kindness, wisdom and generosity will never be forgotten," Superintendent Michael Citta said Wednesday evening at the board meeting.

The school district held a "Jeans for Jena" fundraiser, with the school board and staff members joining in at Wednesday's board meeting to show support for LeRiche's family.
LeRiche "left us way too soon," Citta said.

"Jena's greatest treasure in life was her family," the description on a GoFundMe campaign organized by a friend of LeRiche's family said. LeRiche and her husband have three children, ages 5, 2 and 6 months old.

The GoFundMe campaign, which has raised nearly $30,000, did not give a cause of death, and the family has not had an obituary published.

Citta also accepted a check from Toms River Mayor Maurice Hill and Toms River Police Chief Mitch Little for $3,400, the proceeds of Jeans for Jena fundraisers held in the police department and among township employees, to support the family.

Little and Hill said both fundraisers are continuing.

"The reason why we band together is to try to do what we can, a small token to support families in need," Citta said.

The GoFundMe campaign can be found here for those who wish to donate.