Deadly Union Square MTA bus hit: Friends, Brooklyn neighbors shocked after ex

A Brooklyn woman killed by a bus while crossing a street in Manhattan was a retired high school teacher with an independent streak who loved to travel and garden, according to neighbors and friends.

Roberta Lehrman, 70, was trying to rush across the street at Broadway and E. 13th St. in Union Square Wednesday afternoon when she was hit by a Staten Island-bound MTA express bus, said police.

Officials said the bus, heading south, was stopped at a red light at about 1 p.m. After the light turned green, the bus moved forward and struck Lehrman.

Witnesses said Lehrman was dragged and caught between the bus’ rear wheels. Officials said she died at the scene.

Police said that the bus driver remained on the scene. No criminal charges were filed.

Lehrman was a teacher at John Jay High School and later Brooklyn Technical High School, where she focused on reading, writing and thinking skills in addition to working with the student newspaper.

Her LinkedIn page said she placed learning skills above test preparation, and believed in consistent contact with parents.

The news of Lehrman's death was devastating for Mary Demorest, 71, who had only known the victim for about 18 months. Demorest, who lives in North Carolina, met Lehrman during a vacation trip to Costa Rica, and the two became fast friends.

"She was fun, spirited and had so much energy. We couldn't keep up with her," Demorest said. "She acted more like 40 than 70. I’m really surprised and sad about this. She had retired and was looking at enjoying life. She had a love of gardening. I know she loved New York."

Lehrman was traveling by herself, and Demorest remembered being impressed by her independence.

"I know she was an English teacher.... I think she was just trying to see the world," Demorest said. "She traveled independently. That was unique. She was very fun and loud. She was a very memorable person. She was funny and she would have the table laughing. I was drawn to her — she spoke her mind."

Demorest said they stayed in touch through Facebook.

A resident of the Park Slope, Brooklyn apartment building where Lehrman lived said she was an ideal neighbor.

"She was my neighbor for my entire life," said Nicole Puig, 20, who lives next door, who recalled Lehrman as "caring" and "environmentally friendly."

"She taught me a lot about gardening when I was a kid. She taught me a lot about plants," Puig said. "This is just sad to hear."

Lehrman made headlines in 2005 when she clashed with Brooklyn Tech administators. According to the New York Times, Lehrman was quoted criticizing the principal in a teachers’ union publication. The payback, she said at the time was a U grade — unsatisfactory — in a teacher evaluation.

Lehrman filed a union grievance challenging the evaluation, and showed off a bunch of supportive letters she received from students.

"When I die,, this is going to be my legacy," she told the newspaper. "Not the U. The letters I get from the kids."