Central NY school library aide who died from Covid to be featured on national news show – syracuse.com
Jyl Way, a 49-year-old library aide in the Fabius-Pompey school district who died from Covid complications recently, will be featured in an “In Memoriam” segment on the PBS NewsHour in Washington television show.
The segment, which is scheduled to air at 7 p.m. today, will feature five Americans who died from Covid-19, PBS officials said.
PBS NewsHour started the “In Memoriam” segment a few months ago “to try to humanize the impact and celebrate victims’ lives,’’ said Frank Carlson, a producer with the show. People of all ages from all over the United States are featured.
Way was chosen after producers read the Syracuse.com | The Post Standard article about her death, Carlson said.
“I wanted to include Jyl Way after reading about what her loss has meant for her school community and family,’’ Carlson said.
Way, a mother of three and wife of Bruce “B.R.” Way, died Jan. 10 from Covid-19 complications at Crouse Hospital.
She was beloved by the students and staff at Fabius Elementary School, and her colleagues remembered her fondly. The community, who knew the Way family well, also was moved by her death.
Her close friend and colleague, Tish Dobrovech, said Way always had a smile and tried to brighten the kids’ days.
Known for wearing themed leggings for every holiday and even in honor of that’s day lunch (such as hamburger leggings) the school organized a Crazy Sock Day in her honor.
Her friend remembered Way was one of the few who would actually volunteer for lunch duty because she liked being with the children who she called “her littles.”
“It was really, really rough because we are such a small school district and community, and everybody knew Jyl,’’ Tish said.
Her husband said Way was his soulmate, and she will be greatly missed by him, and his children.
Jyl Way
Elizabeth Doran covers education, suburban government and development, breaking news and more. Got a tip, comment or story idea? Contact her anytime at 315-470-3012 or email edoran@syracuse.com
