Norwalk schools raise money in memory of 8th grader with ‘infectious personality’
NORWALK — Two Norwalk schools are coming together to raise money in memory of a student who recently died.
Ruth Israel, an eighth grader at West Rocks Middle School, died on Dec. 1, with the state Office of the Chief Medical Examiner saying her cause of death is pending further study.
West Rocks and Silvermine Dual Magnet Elementary School, where Ruth attended elementary school, have since teamed up to raise money to help her family cover the cost of the memorial service. A GoFundMe launched earlier this week has already raised three times the $2,500 goal and received over 170 individual donations.
“The Silvermine community is devastated about the loss of Ruth Israel,” Silvermine Principal Elizabeth Chahine said. “Upon hearing the news, our teachers circled together to share beautiful stories and remarks about this truly remarkable young lady. Staff remember Ruth as having an infectious personality that shined through everything she did. Ruth had the ability to light up a room and had a great sense of humor. She was smart, and a natural leader.”
Israel’s fifth-grade teacher Frank DiPasquale said he remembers Ruth as always bringing happiness to others.
“There are so many vivid memories I have of Ruth, and no matter the memory, the one common theme in all of them is that they end with a smile,” he said.
West Rocks Principal Adam Reynolds said Israel was part of the school’s Community Service Club and helped organize over 40 food baskets with nonperishable food items for those in need.
The school had counselors and support staff meet with eighth graders in small groups within their classrooms to share the news and give them a place to talk about and process it. A social worker was also available to students learning remotely. Support staff continues to be available in the school library, Reynolds said.
“Ruth came to West Rocks after completing her elementary years at Silvermine,” Reynolds said. “She was a child that cared about others — always the first one to volunteer for community service through school and her church. ... She was also a great friend and her teachers saw her as a leader in class.”
Israel’s family declined to comment. A memorial service will be held Saturday, Dec. 19 at 8:30 a.m. at the French Speaking Baptist Church of Norwalk.