JACKSON TWP — A Seneca Valley eighth- grade teacher died Monday morning after a battle with an extended illness.

Karen Lee Young McClain, 62, taught in the Seneca Valley School District for the past 19 years with her time spent in the learning support classroom at Ryan Gloyer Middle School.

Additional counselors and support are being provided for students through the Center for Community Resources.

Linda Andreassi, the district's communications director, said substitute teachers have covered and will continue to cover McClain's classes “as she has been out ill for several months.”

“Our thoughts and prayers are with Ms. McClain and her family during this very difficult time,” a letter sent to Ryan Gloyer parents on Monday read. “We also offer condolences to all the students and staff members, especially her fellow teachers and students on the Owls Team at RGMS. A beloved teacher, Ms. McClain's family shared with us this morning that they admired her 'love and commitment to Seneca Valley.' She will be greatly missed.”

The Seneca Valley School Board honored McClain with a moment of silence before Monday night's board meeting, and Andreassi said the district is planning to do something to memorialize McClain.

A celebration of her life held Thursday at St. Luke's Lutheran Church.