Teachers and school board members are mourning the loss of Errol Village Principal Nancy Swanstrom, who was killed in a crash in Dawn-Euphemia Township early Friday afternoon.
Jim Costello, the director of education with the Lambton Kent District School Board, confirmed Swanstrom's passing Sunday night, saying it's a very difficult time for the school and the board.
He says the 55-year-old principal had been an educator with the board for over 25 years, and always put students first.
"She was a very student oriented, fair person," says Costello. "She was involved in our health and safety committee and worked hard to make our buildings more safe. [She] was known and respected by all."
Costello says she was a great educator and will be greatly missed.
The school's staff were notified of Swanstrom's death Friday night and a tragic event response team will be attending Errol Village Public School on Monday to console students. He says a number of councilors will be on hand, along with some parents.
"I think it's very important for young children, especially hearing things like this that they don't already know, that their parents are nearby or available to them to provide comfort," he says.
The Ontario Provincial Police say around 1pm on Friday, an SUV traveling south on Marthaville Rd. collided with a Dodge pick-up truck that was traveling east on Aberfeldy Line.
The driver of the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene, while the other driver was transported to hospital with minor injuries.
Costello says Swanstrom was on her way to meet with other principals from the school board at the time of the crash.
Swanstrom leaves behind her husband Bob and two children, Peter and Leah. A visitation will be held on Tuesday from 1:30pm to 3:30pm at Smith Funeral Home in Sarnia, with a memorial service following at 3:30pm.
