West Orange Teacher Dies 'Surrounded By Family' After Car Strike

WEST ORANGE, NJ — It's a sad day when you have to tell your child that their former teacher has passed away. But on Friday, many stunned members of the West Orange community found themselves mourning a beloved local educator - Patricia Villarosa - after she passed away in the hospital, surrounded by her family.

Villarosa, 64, a first-grade teacher at Washington Elementary School, was hit by a car last month as she was walking to a Board of Education meeting at West Orange High School. After weeks of treatment, she passed away on Friday at University Hospital in Newark, West Orange officials said.

Several mourners immediately took to social media to express fond memories of Villarosa and condolences for her family.

• "She was my son's teacher in 1st grade. He 'll be so sad. RIP"
• "She was a wonderful teacher and my daughter and our family will miss her greatly."
• "Such a loss for West Orange. May she Rest In Peace. Thoughts and prayers to her family and Washington school family."
• "Patty Villarosa was also a long-time member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church and a dear friend. She was a very special person and will be greatly missed. My sincerest condolences to all who knew and loved her."

According to West Orange officials, a white, 2017 Kia driven by a 55-year-old West Orange man struck Villarosa as she crossed Pleasant Valley Way near West Orange High School last month. The driver of the Kia remained at the scene.

• See related article: Thoughts, Prayers For West Orange Teacher Critically Hurt By Car

Superintendent Jeff Rutzky released the following statement to faculty and staff:

"We are deeply saddened by the loss of our friend and colleague, Patricia Villarosa. She passed this morning at University Hospital in Newark surrounded by her family. Patty worked at Washington Elementary School for more than 20 years. Please keep Patty's family, friends and colleagues in your thoughts and prayers.”

Villarosa's deep connections with the community are evident in several comments left on a GoFundMe online fundraiser in her name, which has raised more than $14,000 from 280 donors since the crash took place.

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