It is with great sadness that the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey shares the passing of June Rodriguez Simmons, a PDFNJ Child Break Educator and a valued colleague through the New Jersey Association of School Social Workers.

June brought her experience as a school social worker to her role as a Child Break Educator, sharing important messages with parents and grandparents about what they could do and say to help protect the children in their lives from substance use.

Her commitment to prevention, education and awareness continued well beyond her retirement from PDFNJ and her work as a school social worker. Through her involvement with the New Jersey Association of School Social Workers, June remained dedicated to sharing with as many audiences as possible the PDFNJ messages she believed could make a difference in the lives of children and families throughout New Jersey.

June was a dear friend to so many, always willing to lend a hand or offer support to anyone who needed it. She loved her volunteer work and her cruises, but above all, she loved her family. She spoke so lovingly and often of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

June leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, compassion and service to the children and families of New Jersey. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family, the members of the New Jersey Association of School Social Workers and all who mourn her.

June, you will be deeply missed, but your dedication to substance use prevention and the lives you touched will never be forgotten.