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Shaker Heights Community Holds Vigil For Slain Teacher Aisha Fraser

Colleagues and family members honored the memory of slain Shaker Heights teacher Aisha Fraser at a candlelight vigil Monday night. [Lisa Ryan / ideastream]
People seated with candles at a vigil for Shaker Heights teacher Aisha Fraser.

Hundreds of mourners gathered at Woodbury Elementary School to remember the life of Aisha Fraser, who was fatally stabbed over the weekend. Her estranged husband, former judge Lance Mason, has been arrested in connection with her death.

Those who knew sixth grade teacher Aisha Fraser knew her as a kind, loving person. Fellow teacher Christine Farren remembers her last interaction with Fraser. As students left for Thanksgiving break, Fraser said a phrase many of her friends remember her saying:

“Ziggity boo! Which for me, translated into: ‘Wow! What a day. It is what it is. Now relax, go home and enjoy your weekend.’”

Her uncle, George Fraser, remembers his niece as someone who never said anything negative.

“Aisha was love personified,” he said. “Aisha gave hope to others.”

Fraser taught math and social studies at Woodbury. Her friend and colleague Darlene Garrison remembers Fraser as a great teacher and friend.

"Aisha showed a lot of love to everybody. It didn't matter who you were. She showed love. I've never seen her do anything but smile. Her laugh was simply, just put you in a great mood. She was a sweetheart, and she will certainly be missed,” Garrison said.

She leaves behind two children, ages 11 and 8. The school is providing grief counselors for district students and their families, and they canceled scheduled professional learning days to give teachers time to grieve.

lisa.ryan@ideastream.org | 216-916-6158