About 75 people gathered at the Paton Community Center Monday evening as part of a vigil service in memory of a beloved individual.

Following the unfortunate passing of the Paton-Churdan School Secretary Heather Lansman, who died from fatal injuries last Thursday when a riding lawnmower rolled on top of her in a creek, after the embankment gave way, the school district announced the two vigil services for this week. P-C Counselor was one of the organizers of the vigils and said these are two ways the school staff felt that they could reach the students to help them heal during the grieving process because during summer break it can be difficult to reach them. 

After the initial fellowship period and a chance for the students to make crafts and pictures that will go into memory boxes, the crowd stood in a circle and had a moment of silence in honor of the memory of Lansman, before a poem was read. Towers described the kind of person Lansman was to her, working with her for several years at P-C.

“You know, Heather was a co-worker, but as I look back at it, she really grew to be such a good friend, again that supporter, my go-to. I can’t name how many different times I’m like, ‘Oh, I should snap Heather about this,’ or ‘Oh my gosh, Heather would’ve gotten such a kick out of something that just happened with the kids,’ or a pretty bird when we had goldfinches outside of our window. So, she was a friend, she was a model of how to have grace, and show that love and support to everybody.”      

Superintendent Brian Johnson was still in the denial mindset that he couldn’t believe the tragic passing of Lansman. He commented that every interaction he had with her during his first year as the new superintendent was always positive and she really cared about each and every person that was at P-C, even to the point where she would put what he needed to the side to be there for a student.

“They needed someone to listen to, they needed someone to love them, they needed someone to positively affirm the direction that they were going. And she was just incredible when it came to that aspect of knowing about every child, almost every parent, every staff member’s life. Just the right things to say and the right things to do to comfort them. She was just absolutely amazing.”  

There is another vigil service happening tonight at 5:30pm at the Churdan Community Center and/or City Park, which is also open to the public. On behalf of the entire P-C community, Johnson said that their hearts, thoughts and prayers are with the Lansman family at this time.