LOCKPORT, N.Y. — The Starpoint Central School District and the Lockport community are mourning the heartbreaking loss of Heather Link-Raggi, a devoted elementary school teacher, respected mentor, loving mother, and dedicated advocate for student success, who passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026.
Heather’s passing has left an immeasurable void throughout Niagara County, where she spent nearly two decades shaping young minds and building meaningful relationships with students, families, and fellow educators. Remembered for her compassion, patience, and unwavering commitment to education, she leaves behind a legacy that extends far beyond the classroom.
A Passionate Educator Who Inspired Generations
Teaching was more than a profession for Heather—it was her life’s calling.
For approximately 17 years, she proudly served the Starpoint Central School District, joining the district in August 2009 after completing her graduate education. Throughout her career, she became known for creating welcoming classrooms where every child felt valued, encouraged, and capable of succeeding.
Most recently, Heather taught third grade at Douglas J. Regan Intermediate School, where she also served as a Grade Level Specialist, collaborating with fellow teachers to strengthen curriculum, improve instructional practices, and support student achievement.
Colleagues describe her as an educator who believed every child could succeed when given patience, encouragement, and the right opportunities to learn.
Dedicated to Inclusive Education
One of Heather’s greatest professional strengths was her commitment to inclusive education.
For more than seven years, she worked within consultant teacher classrooms, partnering closely with special education teachers to ensure students with diverse learning needs received individualized instruction while remaining active participants in the general education classroom.
She developed engaging lessons that blended traditional teaching with hands-on activities and educational technology, helping students build confidence in reading, writing, mathematics, science, and social studies.
Parents often praised Heather for recognizing each child’s unique strengths and for creating learning environments where students felt safe, respected, and motivated to grow.
Academic Background and Early Career
Heather built her educational career on a strong academic foundation at Niagara University.
She earned:
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Bachelor of Arts in Special Education (Grades 1–9) in 2007
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Master of Education in Literacy Instruction (Birth–Grade 6) in 2009
Before joining Starpoint, Heather gained valuable classroom experience with the Niagara Wheatfield Central School District, where she worked as a long-term substitute teacher at Edward Town Middle School.
During those early years, she taught sixth-grade English Language Arts, mathematics, science, and special education, experiences that helped shape the versatile teaching style for which she later became known.
A Teacher, Mother, and Community Member
Outside the classroom, Heather was equally devoted to her family.
She was not only a teacher within the Starpoint district but also a mother of children attending the district’s schools, giving her a unique perspective that strengthened the relationships she built with students and parents alike.
Friends and coworkers remember Heather as someone who approached both motherhood and teaching with extraordinary kindness, empathy, and selflessness.
Whether supporting a struggling student, encouraging a fellow educator, or celebrating milestones with her own family, Heather consistently placed others before herself.
Community Pays Tribute
News of Heather’s passing prompted an overwhelming outpouring of grief across the Starpoint community.
Teachers, parents, former students, and local residents have shared heartfelt tributes remembering her gentle spirit, dedication, and lasting impact on countless young lives.
The Starpoint PTA honored Heather by describing her as both an exceptional educator and a cherished mother whose influence extended throughout the school community. The organization encouraged families to keep Heather’s loved ones in their thoughts and prayers while remembering the tremendous difference she made in the lives of so many.
Former students and parents have also expressed gratitude for the compassion and encouragement Heather showed inside and outside the classroom, saying she made every child feel seen, heard, and capable of achieving success.
Supporting the School Community
Recognizing the profound impact of Heather’s passing, the Starpoint Central School District is expected to provide counseling and emotional support resources for students, faculty, and staff as they mourn one of their beloved educators.
School leaders have encouraged families to lean on one another while honoring Heather’s remarkable legacy of service, compassion, and educational excellence.
Funeral Arrangements
At the time of publication, Heather Raggi’s family has not publicly announced funeral or memorial service details.
Information regarding visitation, memorial services, and any scholarship or memorial fund established in Heather’s honor is expected to be shared once arrangements have been finalized.
Remembering Heather Raggi
Heather Link-Raggi dedicated her life to helping children learn, grow, and believe in themselves.
Her influence reached far beyond lesson plans and report cards. She inspired confidence, nurtured curiosity, and built lasting relationships that will continue to shape the lives of her students for years to come.
Although her passing leaves an enormous void, the compassion she shared, the lives she transformed, and the example she set as an educator, colleague, mother, and friend ensure her legacy will endure throughout the Starpoint Central School District and the Lockport community.
Heather Raggi will be deeply missed, lovingly remembered, and forever honored by her family, friends, colleagues, students, and everyone whose life she touched.