SACO – For most of the world, it was an ordinary Wednesday, but for Saco Middle School students, it was anything but.The school re-opened after closing on Tuesday for a day. It was the first day of classes after the loss of sixth grade English Language Arts teacher Robin Stinson who brought joy, laughter and a love of learning to her classes.

Stinson, 47, of Alfred, died after a medical event while driving home on the Maine Turnpike around 4 p.m. on Monday, heading south between the Biddeford and Kennebunk exits.

Stinson had worked in Saco schools since 1997, and at Saco Middle School since 1998. Stinson was married to Timothy, a principal for Regional School Unit 57, and had two children.

“Robin was an incredible teacher, mentor, and friend to everyone in the Saco Middle School community for over 20 years. She will be missed dearly,” said Superintendent of Schools Dominic DePatsy.

After an email was sent to parents Monday evening, the sad news spread quickly on Facebook.

Local parent Heather Prejean changed her Facebook profile post to a sunflower, after learning from her daughter, Rylie, that the sunflower was Stinson’s favorite flower.

Prejean urged others to do the same to show support for Stinson, and soon sunflowers were popping up on Facebook, as many community members and even the Saco Middle School changed their profile picture to that of the bright yellow flower.

When school reopened on Wednesday, school counselors and grief counselors were on hand to support students.

A memory wall lined the wall of one of the hallways, and students and teachers posted photos and memories of Stinson.

“Mrs. Stinson was not just a teacher, she was a friend,” wrote one student.

“She was always there to help and always had a smile on her face,” wrote another.

Many people, like sixth-grader Rylie Prejean and Thornton Academy junior Stephanie Sanborn, remember Stinson’s “contagious laugh.”

Rylie said Stinson was very supportive of her students and helped many through some tough times.

“Mrs. Stinson knew how to put a smile on anyone’s face. She was super sweet and kind. If you were having a rough day, you could go to her and she could turn your whole day around,” said Stephanie.

Bethany Towne, who was a student of Stinson’s in 2002, said she’s always loved writing and reading and Stinson’s class helped her become a stronger writer. Towne said Stinson cared about the students education and in addition to language arts skills taught discipline and kindness and instilled a good work ethic.

Chris Indorf, assistant superintendent with Biddeford Schools, said that Stinson was his son Andy’s teacher when Andy was in sixth grade.

“As an educator and parent I appreciate that middle school can be a turbulent time for students, especially for those like my son Andy who already struggle finding their place. All kids need math and English and social studies, of course, but more than anything they need caring and loving teachers. And that’s what Robin was to Andy. And to so many others,” Indorf said.

Jessica Tremblay lives down the street from the Stinson family and had known Stinson for many years. She said Stinson was a very kind person who had been very involved in the local Parent Teacher Association when her children were younger.

Tremblay, a mother of four young children, said when her children saw Stinson, she treated them like she treated her own children. She too, spoke of Stinson’s contagious laugh as well as her sense of humor. Tremblay said she and her husband and the Stinsons would occasionally get together with a group of other couples.

“Robin was definitely the life of the party,” Tremblay said.

Tremblay and her husband attended a wedding with the Stinsons earlier this winter and recalls a wonderful time dancing, socializing and laughing.

“It’s something I’ll always remember,” she said.

Resources for parents of grieving children include The Center for Grieving Children, which can be reached at 775-5216​ to discuss concerns, receive written information or enroll a child in a grief support group and 777-HELP, a 24-hour hot line parents can call if their child needs immediate assistance.

— Staff Writer Liz Gotthelf can be reached at 780-9015 or by email at egotthelf@journaltribune.com. Tammy Wells contributed to this story. 

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