Sandy Hook victims mourned for lives cut short
USA TODAY
Published 6:24 p.m. ET Dec.16, 2012 - Updated 1:01 a.m. ET Dec. 18, 2012

Mary Sherlach, 56

Mary Sherlach spent most of her professional life trying to help kids from taking a wrong turn.

A school psychologist at the Sandy Hook Elementary School since August 1994, she worked closely with students, parents and teachers.

I "am always ready to assist in problem solving, intervention and prevention," Sherlach, 56, wrote on her professional website.

She died while trying to protect others, Diane Day, a therapist who works at the school, told The Wall Street Journal.

When reached at Scherlach's home in Trumbull, Conn., a friend of the family read a statement that was written by Scherlach's daughter Maura Schwartz.

"There are no words to describe the devastating loss that we feel at this time," it said. "Our family has lost a loving mother, dedicated wife and above all, a wonderful, caring woman who was beyond dedicated to her students."