Rochester woman succumbs to injuries in crash caused by drunken driver

Scene of last month's deadly crash that claimed the life of a Rochester woman and Dover Schools special ed teacher, Gloria Snowman. (Rochester Police photo); inset of Gloria Snowman (Courtesy)

ROCHESTER - Gloria Snowman was the consummate educator: caring, compassionate and willing to give her all to help her students thrive.
A former Dover middle school special education teacher adored by her students and their parents, Snowman, 71, died on Friday, five days after a drunken driver crossed the center line by Bluebird Storage on Highland Street and plowed into the beloved teacher's car head-on.
Scott Boire, 37, of Raymond, who was treated at the scene for minor injuries, was arrested for aggravated DUI. He has since been released while awaiting his next court date.
A police investigation indicates Boire's car crossed over the yellow center line around 3 p.m. and struck the oncoming Toyota Rav 4 driven by Snowman.
She was transported to Portsmouth Regional Hospital where she remained in critical condition until her death.
Tributes for the highly regarded educator poured in immediately from former colleagues and parents of students whose lives she touched.
"My children and I were the recipients of Gloria's generous heart and natural empathy on many occasions," said Peggy Mace. "The way Gloria lived her life to the fullest is an example for all of us. She had a heart of gold and touched the lives of so many with her infectious smile and good humor. Life was enriched with her in it and her loss is beyond measure."
"Gloria was a talented educator with a heart full of compassion, love, care, and kindness," added coworker Sandra Crosson. "She was skilled in analyzing student needs and designing plans to support and educate the most vulnerable special needs students. She was also a wonderful colleague, full of humor and empathy."
"It was a blessing for me to have worked with Gloria for these past two years," Peter Naitove remarked on a tribute page. "We became quick friends as she was a faithful colleague who cared deeply for the children. I most appreciated her totally down-to-earth spirit; her laugh; her humor; and her unconditional support."
A visitation will be held today from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Tasker Funeral Home at 621 Central Ave., in Dover followed by a funeral service there.