CLEARWATER, Fla. — Mina Swan started as an art teacher at Clearwater High School in 1983. Back then she was known as Mina Wolf.

Pinellas County Schools Visual Arts Specialist Sue Castleman met Swan more than 30 years ago when she became her intern supervisor.

"She was a student teaching when she was in college to become an art teacher, and she worked with me at Pinellas Park Elementary,” Castleman said. “I always remember that she always had a smile on her face, and she really wanted to learn how to teach young children how to make art."

Mina started her career later in life and would teach at CHS until retiring in 1999, leaving a lasting impression on staff and students.

"I know that all of the students that worked with her would remember her as somebody that was positive, inspiring and encouraged them to do the best they could in her art class," Castleman said.

Castleman was disturbed to find out Swan and her husband were murdered in their Clearwater home on Flushing Avenue.

"Remembering Mina as such a happy, pleasant person that brought joy to many other people...what an unfortunate thing to have happened to her and her husband," Castleman said.

While police search for the killer, colleagues want that person to know what a special person is gone.

"It’s unfortunate that Mina’s life was brought to an end in her short 80 years, because I’m sure she had a lot more life in her,” Castleman said. “It’s unfortunate that she’s no longer (here) to shine her smile and her support and encouragement on others."

If you have any information, contact Clearwater Police at 727-562-4242.