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Maria Hernandez, 55
Died January 7, 2021.
Mulberry High School, Mulberry, FL
Paraprofessional, Secretary
Polk County Public Schools now has at least one fatality from COVID-19.
Maria Hernandez, 55, a longtime paraprofessional and secretary in Mulberry schools, died from the virus on Thursday, according to family and friends.
“We are heartbroken about the loss of Maria,” said Michael Young, principal of Mulberry High School, where Hernandez worked in the guidance office. “She was driven by her passion to help our students and families have better futures. Maria excelled at celebrating student accomplishments and encouraging them to stretch themselves beyond their expectations. Her Instagram handle was ‘Mulberry Momma Bear,’ and it was very fitting for her – she filled in that role for all of our students.”
Young added that, in addition to her work duties, Hernandez could be found tutoring, mentoring, selling tickets for games, chaperoning fieldtrips to colleges — “all without pay. She was motivated by love.”
PCPS officials said they had not heard of any other employee dying of COVID, which would make Hernandez the first known fatality among the district’s 13,000 employees and more than 100,000 students.
“She was a valued member of the Mulberry High School community, and will be dearly missed,” said PCPS spokeswoman Rachel Pleasant. “Our deepest sympathies go to her family, friends and colleagues.”
Her daughter, 29-year-old Blanca Helmick, said Hernandez and her youngest son, 16-year-old Jacob Ritchie, attended a wrestling tournament involving seven Polk County schools in mid-December. After people started getting sick, the school district canceled all athletic events.
Helmick said Jacob got sick first and then her mother began showing symptoms and tested positive.
“She was fine, and then it wasn’t until a few days later, she was starting to feel sick herself and it just got worse after that,” Helmick said.
She held back tears to describe her mother as the most selfless person she has known.
“My mom was very giving — I literally didn’t know anyone like her,” Helmick said. “She not only cared so much about her family, she cared about her community and kids in the high school and kids in the migrant program. When I was little…I don’t know how many house visits I went with her (on) to families that were in need. She would literally drop anything to help someone who needed help, to giving them her last dollar. That was my mom. And she was a woman of God, her faith was so important to her.”
Helmick said her mother was born in Eagle Pass, Texas, and is survived by Helmick, Ritchie and Hernandez’s other four children: Clint Griner, 36, Jamie Waring, 28, Ronald Helmick, 26, and Taylor Helmick, 24.
Dani Higgins, a migrant interventionist teacher for PCPS, worked alongside Hernandez at Kingsford Elementary School and then through their migrant relief work.
“We started a relationship as co-workers and quickly became friends,” said Higgins, who worked tirelessly with Hernandez and Emilia Segovia to help Mulberry’s migrant community with donations of food, clothing, school supplies, tutoring and mentoring. “Maria treated everyone with respect and kindness. She would always do what was necessary to help others if it was in her ability to do so. That often meant staying well beyond her workday to meet a parent who was unable to get off (work) earlier, to make phone calls, translate documents, teach English, or to translate for a meeting. Much of these activities were not paid hours, but she enjoyed helping others.”
Higgins said Hernandez encouraged the migrant students to set goals and to attain them because they are a population that doesn’t have much of what is needed to succeed and is often marginalized by society.
“They could count on her — she cheered them on. She cheered the families on,” Higgins said. “However, she didn’t stop there. She also spent weekends and evenings translating college nights, chaperoning field trips and attending service events with the Adelante Club. She always showed up for the students when they needed her. We attended many graduation ceremonies, family celebrations, quinceaneras, weddings and births. She valued the families that she served, and that made a tremendous impact – on them and on me.”
Those who knew her took to social media on Thursday to express their grief and their condolences to Hernandez’s family, including her children.
Cindy Hill Spear taught third and fifth grades at Kingsford Elementary School and worked with Hernandez. She also taught one of Hernandez’s daughters, Blanca, in the fifth grade.
“Maria Hernandez was such a wonderful woman and a great asset to the Mulberry community,” Spear said in a Facebook private message. “During her stay at Kingsford she was always willing to step up and help wherever she was needed, whether it was helping Hispanic parents during a parent conference or taking extra duties at school. She was such a wonderful parent her children. Mulberry has lost a gem, and she will be sorely missed.”
Helmick has started a GoFund me page to help with funeral costs and to set up a trust for Jacob. It can be found at http://bit.ly/35iboQn.
Latina Perry, 42
Died January 10, 2021.
Wakefield Creative School, Raleigh, NC
Curriculum Specialist
The Wakefield Creative School community is still in disbelief after curriculum specialist Latina Perry died from coronavirus complications.
It’s something that’s difficult to explain to any child.
“Why is Ms. Tina not going to be there, where did Ms. Tina go? We explain to her that she had to go and live with God, and she wants to know why we told her that COVID has been very ugly to Miss. Tina,” said Sonya Thomas, who has a granddaughter at Wakefield Creative School.
Thomas said Perry loved her job and her students. But, Thomas said she has concerns about the school.
“We are ushering our students and our babies into a facility that’s contaminated, and the staff and the directors on the inside know that and have not shared that information with us,” Thomas, said.
Thomas added that the school sent out one email informing families of Perry’s death, but, never mentioned it was related to COVID — something she she feels parents have the right to know.
“We have not received any communication that a staff member tested positive,” added Thomas.
Wakefield Creative School president Brad Hester said the last time Perry was inside the building was on Dec. 22.
In a statement, he said the school is “conducting verbal screenings, temperature checks and are sanitizing and deep cleaning, as well.”
Hester added that other employees and staff are being tested for the virus as a precautionary measure and that he plans to send another letter out to staff and families with plans for the remainder of the week. He added that he wants to be as transparent as possible.
Thomas said she will not be taking her granddaughter back to the school until she feels it’s safe.
“It needs to be professionally sanitized and it needs to be deemed safe,” she explained. “It complicates things for us, but we need to do what we need to do.”
Hannah Mansell, 26
Died January 17, 2021.
Mattoon Middle School, Mattoon, IL
Interpreter
Hannah Nicole Mansell, 26, of Mattoon and formerly of Jacksonville died Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, at Carle Hospital in Urbana.
She was born Sept. 29, 1994, in Springfield, the daughter of Ken and Kathy Borgman Mansell.
She is survived by her parents of South Jacksonville; her paternal grandmother, Rosealie Mansell of Bourbonnais; maternal grandparents, Andrew and Marguerite Borgman of Springfield; her sister, Rachel Mansell of Jacksonville; and her boyfriend, Steve Cole of Mattoon. She was preceded in death by her paternal grandfather, Richard Thomas Mansell Sr.
Hannah was a 2013 graduate of Jacksonville High School and then graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Sign Language interpreting from William Woods University in Fulton, Missouri. As a student, she was an active member of Alpha Chi Omega as well as many other groups and organizations. She then began working for Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE) in the Mattoon School District. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church of Jacksonville. Hannah’s infectious laugh and bright smile lit up every room into which she walked. She brought joy to everything she did and wouldn’t let anyone be in a bad mood. She also dearly loved her cat, Goose.
Because of the pandemic, a private family service will be held with burial at Diamond Grove Cemetery in Jacksonville. A Celebration of Life gathering will be announced at a later date. A memorial fund is being set up to honor Hannah’s giving nature. Tax-deductible donations to support acts of kindness toward deaf and hard-of-hearing students in need may be made to EIASE. Please write #kindnessforhannah or Hannah Mansell in the memo line. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville is in charge of arrangements. Condolences may be sent online at buchanancody.com.
Stephen Daniels, 50
Died December 31, 2020.
Dr. Paul Rafalides School, Jersey City, NJ
Boiler Operator
Two employees of the Jersey City Public Schools have died of COVID-19, the district confirmed.
Willy Emanuele, a 66-year-old bus driver died Dec. 30, followed by Stephen Daniels, a 50-year-old boiler operator at School 33 who died the next day, district officials said.
“Sadly our district lost two friends and valued colleagues this past week,” Superintendent Franklin Walker and Board of Education President Mussab Ali said in a joint statement.
“Our district grieves not only the passing of such tremendous individuals but also for the loss that their families have suffered. Our hearts and prayers go out to them at this difficult time.”
Emanuele and Daniels are the second and third district employees to die of the virus since the pandemic began. Treasy Brown, a crisis intervention teacher, died of the virus in the spring, Deputy Superintendent Norma Fernandez said.
Since March, when the pandemic started, 129 school district employees have contracted the coronavirus.
Just this week Ferris High School was closed to staff members when the district learned through contact tracing that a visitor tested positive for COVID-19, district spokeswoman Norma Fernandez said. The staff is expected to be back in the building Monday.
Fernandez said both Emanuele and Daniels were working up until the time they got sick, although it’s unclear where they contracted the virus, she added.
“With these two deaths we’re very saddened because in the span of a week we lost two friends and valued colleagues for many individuals in this district,” Fernandez said.
Daniels’ sister, Tamera, said he is survived by three sons, two brothers and two others sisters.
“He loved his family dearly,” Tamera Daniels said. “He was always the life of the party.”
Michael Angelo, 62
Died October 20, 2020.
Tulsa Public Schools, Tulsa, OK
Facilities
Tulsa Public Schools had its first death from COVID-19.
Michael Angelo, an electrician with TPS since 2007, has died from the illness, according to Superintendent Dr. Deborah Gist. Angelo’s wife, Violet, also had COVID-19 but has recovered.
Gist broke the news to the TPS board at the end of their Monday meeting.
“Because I know the rest of the Tulsa Public Schools family will be wanting to do the same that we’re doing, which is lifting them up, sending love and appreciation for their long service to the district and thoughts for continued healing for Violet and her family,” Gist said.
TPS had nine confirmed cases of COVID-19 among staff last week. Many have had to report for work in person while students are in distance learning.
Students will start returning next month.
Raul Alvarado, 53
Died December 10, 2020.
Walden Grove High School, Sahuarita, AZ
Campus Monitor
Raul “Ralph” Alvarado, 53 passed away on Thursday, December 10, 2020. He was born February 3, 1967 in Kingman, AZ & grew up in Seligman, AZ. He was a very loving son, brother, husband, father & grandfather. He is survived by: wife Rosie Alvarado, daughters Danielle & Alecia of Winslow, AZ, son Adrian of Sahuarita, AZ, grandchildren Layla, Roy, Madianna, Preston & Mia who he loved dearly; brothers Arthur (Margaret), Daniel (Joy), Paul (Cecilia), John; sisters Irma (Henry), Mercy, Irene, sister-in-law Erlinda, and many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends. He is preceded in death by his mother & father, Manuel & Maria Alvarado and his brother, Manuel de Jesus Alvarado.
Raul retired from the Arizona Department of Corrections, where he worked in Winslow and Tucson. Arizona. He was currently employed as Campus Monitor for Walden Grove High School in Sahuarita, AZ where he touched the lives of so many students, staff, friends and the Sahuarita Community.
He loved running, hunting with his brothers & nephews, and spending time with family and friends and watching his son play football. Raul was a great man who touched the lives of everyone he encountered. He will always be remembered for his big smile, vibrant laughter and great stories. He was a very loving person and will be greatly missed by all.
On behalf of the family, we would like to thank everyone for the love and support they have shown during this very difficult time. We ask you to pray for his family now as they cope with this immense loss.
Carmen Enriquez Chavez, 64
Died November 21, 2020.
Denver Alternative Learning Center, Wichita Falls, TX
Instructional aide
Carmen Enriquez Chavez, 64, of Wichita Falls passed away on Saturday, November 21, 2020.
A Rosary will begin at 6:00 p.m. followed by a Vigil service and visitation until 8:00 p.m. on Monday, November 30, 2020 at Owens and Brumley Funeral Home in Wichita Falls. The funeral liturgy will be celebrated at 3:00 p.m. on Tuesday, December 1, 2020 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Wichita Falls with Rev. Jonathan Demma, celebrant. Rite of Committal will follow at Sacred Heart Cemetery under the direction of Owens and Brumley Funeral Home of Wichita Falls.
Carmen was born on July 16, 1956 to the late Panfilo and Josephine (Ayala) Enriquez in Wichita Falls. She graduated from Wichita Falls High School. Carmen married Nicholas “Nick” Chavez. She enjoyed strawberries of any form, watching the Texas Rangers, Dallas Cowboys and the WF Coyotes. The grandchildren were very special to her and she loved being “Granny” to them. If possible, she would make every effort to attend every event the grandchildren, nieces and nephews were participating in. She worked for the WFISD for 40 years and did some seamstress work. Carmen was a “Mom” to all, and she would captivate everyone with her beautiful smile.
Along with her parents, she was preceded in death by husband Nick Chavez; and a daughter Pamela Chavez.
Carmen is survived by daughter Carisa Martinez and husband Daniel; son Nick Chavez and wife Adriana; grandchildren Noah Webb, Gavin Chavez and Gianna Chavez; siblings: Helen Moreno and husband Jose, Danny Enriquez, Carolyn Perez and husband Frank, Susan Crawford and husband George, Rosemary Webster and husband Lonnie, Steven Enriquez, Rita Robinson and husband Steve and David Enriquez and wife Christina; and many nieces and nephews and great nieces and great nephews.
Dana Hall, 55
Died November 22, 2020.
Jeannette City School District, Jeannette, PA
Secretary
Dana I. Hall, 55, of Jeannette, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, Nov. 22, 2020. She was born Feb. 23, 1965, in Jeannette, a daughter of the late Roger “Jim” and Catherine E. (Klingensmith) Baloga. Dana was a member of Living Word Congregational Church, Jeannette where she loved to teach Sunday school for the children. She worked as a secretary for Jeannette School District, was a treasure for the PSEA Union and an avid Jayhawk fan. She is loved and will be missed by the entire Jeannette community. Dana is survived by her husband, Larry Hall; sons, Larry Jr., of Jacksonville, and Eric, of Jeannette; granddaughter, Olivia; brothers, Chris Baloga and his wife, Renae, of Greensburg, and Anthony Baloga and his wife, Heather, of Slickville and numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation will be held from 11 a.m. until the time of service at 1 p.m. Monday in Living Word Congregational Church 2003 Ridge Rd., Jeannette. CDC guidelines in regards to capacity limits and social distancing will be followed and masks are required.
Terri Sherwin, 60
Died November 25, 2020.
Greater Latrobe Senior High School, Latrobe, PA
Administrative Assistant
Terri Louise Sherwin, 60, of Latrobe, passed away from sudden illness Wednesday, Nov. 25, 2020. Born Aug. 16, 1960, she was the daughter of Kay and the late Terry Stoner. She was the beloved wife to Jeffrey Sherwin for 36 years; loving mother to Christopher (Shannon) Sherwin, Courtney (Mike) Trumpower, and Colin Sherwin; cherished Mimi to Londyn and Easton Trumpower; loving sister to Kirk (Teresa) Stoner, Charlene (Michael) Salopek, Leslie (Warren) King; loving daughter-in-law to Leone and the late William Sherwin; cherished sister-in-law to David (Mary) Sherwin, Mark (Marcia) Sherwin and Todd (Rene) Sherwin. She was also blessed with many nieces and nephews. Terri spent her life nurturing and caring for her family. She loved trips to Disney, decorating her house, working on projects and crafts, and spending time at the beach. She enjoyed her days working with students at school. A private family Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. John XXII (formerly St. Benedict the Abbott), 120 Abington Drive, McMurray, PA 15317. Arrangements have been entrusted to PITTSBURGH CREMATION AND FUNERAL CARE, 3287 Washington Road, McMurray, PA 15317, 724-260-5546.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Make A Wish Foundation to provide children trips to Disney World, as that is something Terri loved.
Arethia Tilford, 56
Died November 28, 2020.
Lincoln Elementary Performing Arts School, Louisville, KY
Clerk
Louisville – 56, passed away on November 28, 2020. She is survived by her husband Mark Tilford; children, Bruce Baker, Jr. and Malachi Tilford; sister, Angela Hayes; brothers, Charles Dudley, Robert Dudley, and James Wood; and two grandchildren.