Fairfield community comes together to honor Nohema Graber’s life

OTTUMWA, Iowa (KYOU) - Wednesday night, family, friends, and loved ones gathered for candlelight vigil in Fairfield to honor and remember Nohema Graber, the Spanish teacher found dead in a park Wednesday night. Graber is remembered not only as a teacher, but as a mother, wife, and a dear friend to many.

Jaya Ahluwaya, a former student of Graber, remembers her Spanish teacher as “so kind so sweet. As you can see on social media and everywhere all the upperclassman have pictures of her, how much it’s hurting because she just made such a huge impact.” Ahluwaya says Spanish wasn’t her best subject, but Graber left a life-long impression. The student says Graber was kind, supportive, and willing to help.

The news of her death is something she and many others can not believe.

Tiereny Hanshaw is one of the organizers -- she says this is a way for students to talk about the tragic news. “We can unite and stand together the kids will know that there are people that they can come to and talk to you and know that you’re not alone in this.” Everyone is handling the sudden death differently.

While candles and signs are a way to remember Graber, Hansaw also says this needs to be a message that violence isn’t acceptable in this community or any other. “I want them to know that she lost her precious life.”

Fairfield High School will have a two hour delay on Monday, November 8th.

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