She was a teacher with a big heart, a great sense of humor, and a desire to go above and beyond.

Saddened by Jo-Ellen (Murgo) Paterno's passing on Wednesday morning, Aug. 13, co-workers and former students are fondly remembering one of Somerset's beloved educators. She taught physical education at Somerset Middle School for 19 years. Stricken by cancer three years ago, she was on sick leave for two years before retiring last fall.

Somerset Middle School physical education teacher Mike Johnson worked alongside Paterno for more than a decade. It was easy for him to see why she was so popular with students, whose love for her endured past their days at SMS.

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