Jennifer Romain-Hinds

* Paraprofessional
* PS 123, Queens

Jennifer Romain-Hinds will be remembered by colleagues and students at PS 123 in Queens for much more than her bright smile and positive message. She will also be remembered for her strength and independence.

A paraprofessional for 16 years, Jennifer died on April 28. She was 41.

Following the 2010 earthquake in Haiti, Jennifer brought back two young sisters whose mother had died in the quake, and she raised them as her daughters. That decision was typical of the sense of responsibility and kindness she always showed in the classroom, said Chakeena Harris, the teacher Jennifer worked with for the past two years.

Jennifer, who survived a kidney transplant three years ago, was a colleague who was always willing to help, said Virginia Nunez, the chapter leader at the Jamaica school.

She was also a “fashionista who loved to have her nails done and to try new hairstyles,” said Nunez. “She will be missed.”

Jennifer is survived by her husband, Valencio Hinds; and her daughters Abigail, 18, and Christophen, 14.