On December 16, 2024, at Abundant Life Christian School in Madison, Wisconsin, Erin Michelle West, was killed in a school shooting, and two others were critically injured. Erin, aged 42, was a devoted educator and substitute coordinator who brought grace, humor, and love to every classroom. For four years, she served both staff and students, creating a nurturing, faith-filled environment. Her obituary recounts a life steeped in love—she was cherished by her husband, Jack; their three daughters, Emery, Laurel, and Adleigh; her parents, Teresa and Larry; and her sister Jennifer (Glenn) Bruce. She also deeply loved her church family at Doxa Church.
Erin West’s life was more than her role as a teacher; she was a wife, a mother, a daughter, a sister, and a faithful servant. She loved camping with family, cheering at school sporting events, and serving at her church. Her laughter, warmth, and unwavering kindness left a lasting impact on everyone she encountered. The loss of Erin West—not just a fallen educator, but a beloved pillar of her community—has left a void in the lives of those she touched. Today, we remember her for the light she brought into classrooms, the love she shared with her family, and the service she gave so selflessly.