By Harlan Levy
Journal Inquirer
WINDSOR LOCKS — The town lost a prominent and public-spirited citizen with a superlative record of community service when Brenda Ives, a Board of Education member for the past eight years, suddenly and unexpectedly passed away early Wednesday morning.
Ives, who had just turned 68, was a devoted, respected, and well-loved teacher at the North Street Elementary School for 27 years. She retired in 2001 and won election to the school board two years later and won every election since.
Board of Education Chairwoman Patricia King said Ives will be missed.
“She was an excellent member of the board, colleague, and friend, who was committed to children in their pursuit of education,” King said. “Her perspective was always centered on the education of children, and she always advocated for teachers.”
Middle School Principal Gregory Blanchfield knew Ives for more than 40 years.
“Brenda was one of a kind, a very special person,” he said. “She would be thoroughly embarrassed when I say this, but it’s absolutely accurate and true: She was a true daughter of Windsor Locks. She was funny. She was smart, she was dedicated, and we’re going to miss her very, very much.”
Ives comes from a long line of citizens committed to public service, Blanchfield said, including her father, her brother Cornelius O’Leary, a former state senator and current chairman of the Board of Finance, and her husband, Jeffrey Ives.
“She had an unbelievable commitment to the town,” Blanchfield added. “She always had the kids of Windsor Locks as her primary focus. It’s a huge loss. I’m going to miss her personally and professionally.”
On Wednesday evening the Board of Education was due to present its proposed budget for next year to the Finance Board. The meeting was postponed.
Ives, who had just turned 68, was a devoted, respected, and well-loved teacher at the North Street Elementary School for 27 years. She retired in 2001 and won election to the school board two years later and won every election since.
Board of Education Chairwoman Patricia King said Ives will be missed.
“She was an excellent member of the board, colleague, and friend, who was committed to children in their pursuit of education,” King said. “Her perspective was always centered on the education of children, and she always advocated for teachers.”
Middle School Principal Gregory Blanchfield knew Ives for more than 40 years.
“Brenda was one of a kind, a very special person,” he said. “She would be thoroughly embarrassed when I say this, but it’s absolutely accurate and true: She was a true daughter of Windsor Locks. She was funny. She was smart, she was dedicated, and we’re going to miss her very, very much.”
Ives comes from a long line of citizens committed to public service, Blanchfield said, including her father, her brother Cornelius O’Leary, a former state senator and current chairman of the Board of Finance, and her husband, Jeffrey Ives.
“She had an unbelievable commitment to the town,” Blanchfield added. “She always had the kids of Windsor Locks as her primary focus. It’s a huge loss. I’m going to miss her personally and professionally.”
On Wednesday evening the Board of Education was due to present its proposed budget for next year to the Finance Board. The meeting was postponed.
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