Friends pay tribute to late teacher

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP — Family, friends and colleagues gathered at the Freehold Township School District’s Early Childhood Learning Center on Oct. 12 to honor the memory of Noreen Hennessy, a former school social worker who passed away on Oct. 11, 2008, after a five-year battle with breast cancer. A memorial bench and plaque were dedicated in front of the school at 510 Stillwells Corner Road.

According to a press release from the school district, during the dedication, colleagues remembered Hennessy for her courageous spirit, her warmth and her smile.

“She was never distracted at work by her illness and always maintained a positive attitude,” said Nancy Doran, Hennessy’s friend and colleague. “We wanted to reflect on the person she was and know that she would be humbled today to see all of those here in her honor.”

Barbara Longo, the retired principal from the Applegate School, was one of many people who spoke on Hennessy’s behalf. Longo recalled honoring Hennessy as Applegate’s Educator of the Year in 2006.

“She was a true inspiration and I am honored to be here for this dedication,” Longo said.

Hennessy began working in the school district as an office assistant for the child study team in 1997. As she worked and raised her two children, she also studied to earn a master’s degree in social work which she received in 2003.

Soon after, she filled a position as a school social worker in the district. Her supervisors said she continued to work diligently through her pain and discomfort and made sure her students would be taken care of in her absence, according to the press release.

After gathering donations for a memorial, a bench was handcrafted and placed in front of the school in her honor. Also in tribute to Hennessy, about 70 staff members participated as “Noreen’s Dream Team” in the walk for breast cancer in Point Pleasant Beach on Oct. 18.

According to the press release, close to $3,000 was raised by the team.