It’s with heavy hearts and profound sorrow that we share the tragic loss of Lubia Estevez, a beloved and dedicated member of the Plainfield High School family. Lubia passed away on Monday evening, July 15, 2025, as a result of devastating flash floods that struck the Plainfield, New Jersey, area. She was simply making her way home after an evening of bingo—an ordinary outing that ended in an unimaginable tragedy.
Lubia was more than a school district employee; she was a warm, familiar face whose gentle presence and bright smile greeted generations of students, staff, and families over the past 15 years. Her role at Plainfield High School may have seemed humble to some, but to those who knew her, Lubia was a cornerstone of comfort, kindness, and community. She embodied what it meant to care—offering encouragement to students, lending a helping hand to colleagues, and bringing light into the lives of everyone who passed through the school’s doors.
According to CBS News New York, Lubia’s vehicle became trapped by rising waters on West Front Street during Monday’s flash flooding. Emergency crews were unable to reach her in time. Her passing serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly natural disasters can upend lives, and how deeply they affect the fabric of our communities.
The Plainfield Public School District has expressed its heartbreak in a public statement, describing Lubia as a “beloved member of our team” and extending deepest condolences to her family, friends, and everyone impacted by her loss. Grief counselors and support services have been made available to both students and staff as they process this unexpected and painful loss.
Lubia’s life was a testament to compassion, resilience, and quiet strength. She loved her community and served it faithfully, never seeking recognition but always deserving it. Her contributions may not have made the headlines during her lifetime, but her legacy now echoes through the halls of Plainfield High and in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
To her loved ones: we grieve with you. To her colleagues: we stand beside you in remembrance. And to her students, past and present: may you carry forward the warmth, patience, and kindness that Lubia shared so freely.
As we mourn this incredible loss, we also celebrate the life of a woman who made a difference simply by being herself. May her memory be a guiding light in the days ahead.
Rest in peace, Lubia Estevez. Your love and light will never be forgotten.
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