Nerissa Lee

Nerissa Lee served as an assistant principal at Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, Illinois, where colleagues and former students remember her as a steady, caring presence in the daily life of the school. Those who worked with her described an educator who took seriously the work of supporting young people — greeting students, guiding staff, and helping shape a community where learning and safety mattered.

Within the Berwyn school community, Lee’s role extended beyond administrative duties; she was part of the routines and relationships that make a school feel like a place of belonging. After the tragic events of September 16, 2025, many in the district and neighborhood left flowers and notes at a growing memorial, and the district arranged counselors and supports for students and staff. School leaders and neighbors expressed sorrow at the sudden loss and emphasized the ways she had been woven into the life of the building.

Public reports identify her as 46 years old at the time of her death and note that Lincoln Middle School closed briefly so counselors and support services could be provided for students and employees. Community members and local journalists remembered Lee as a “great human being” and affirmed the positive impact she had on children and co-workers. Statements from district and local officials conveyed condolences to her family and to the school community.

Although available public notices and news coverage concentrate on the immediate aftermath and community response, the record makes clear that Lee was known primarily for her work with students and for being a trusted school leader. That professional dedication — the daily, often quiet work of supporting children and colleagues — is a lasting part of how people recalled her. Her life mattered to the families and students she served, and the outpouring of grief and support in Berwyn reflects the regard in which she was held.