Administrator

James Mercadante, 55

Died January 10, 2021.

Saugus High School, Santa Clarita, CA

Lead Supervisor

Local news:

Three members of the same family from the Santa Clarita area died from COVID-19 complications after attending a gathering with relatives around Thanksgiving.

Two brothers, 55-year-old James Mercadante and 51-year-old George Mercadante, died hours apart from one another, and their uncle, also named George Mercadante, who was in his 80s, passed away two weeks later.

James and George’s sister, Sarah Mercadante, thinks the virus may have spread during the family gathering, which she did not attend, as the symptoms of all three men started around the same time. Her brothers and uncle were all hospitalized.

“I just kept thinking, ‘We’re strong and healthy, we’re strong and healthy,’” she said. “But no.”

Sarah says she didn’t get a chance to say goodbye to James, who died on Jan. 10, in person.

“He said, ‘God bless you, Sarah, and I love you.’ That was the last thing he said to me,” she said. “I would say, ‘You’re young and healthy. You’re gonna get through it.’ Now I feel awful. He was the one being the most careful and he was the first one to pass away in the family.”

Her other brother George died hours later. Then her uncle died about two weeks later, on Jan. 27.

“There’s no rhyme or reason behind it. It’s cruel. It’s evil,” Sarah said. “You can’t be in the hospital with your loved one when this is going on. It’s gut wrenching.”

James was a lead supervisor at Saugus High School and survived the 2019 mass shooting there. The school posted on Facebook saying that his kind personality and smile will be missed.

His sister says he was an active and strong bicyclist, hang glider and an Army veteran.

“Strong and healthy as an ox. It knocked him out so fast,” Sarah said.

Their brother George had a disability and James cared for him most of his life, she said.

“He was basically the mind and heart of a child stuck in a grown man’s body,” Sarah explained.

Their uncle George, also an Army veteran, was hospitalized for several weeks before Sarah said she made the difficult decision to take him off life support. She says she fought for him to be treated with non-approved drugs under the Right to Try Act, but it was too late.

“My uncle loved to travel and he was always a spur-of-the-moment, adventurous kind of guy even at 85. And strong as an ox as well,” Sarah said.

Her parents, who are in their 80s, also tested positive for the coronavirus, but they recovered.

“What’s gonna end up killing my dad is burying his two sons and his brother,” she said.

Sarah says her outlook on the virus has changed.

“When you watch three of your loved ones pass away on ventilators and life support right in front of you … Every day I’m dealing with a mix of emotions between grief and anger toward the virus,” she said.

A friend of the Mercadante family set up a GoFundMe page to help with funeral expenses.

Cara Bluth, 45

Died February 20, 2021.

George Hess Educational Complex, Landing, NJ

Vice Principal

Obituary:

luth, Cara Marie Josephine Surace, – 45, of Ventnor, NJ, left us on Feb. 20, 2021 after a short battle with COVID-19.

Cara made every room brighter just by entering it. From her soul, she exuded joy, laughter, and love. She loved celebrating with her family and friends, caring for all animals, gardening, and exploring our connections to each other through reiki, meditation, and more. Cara was a much-loved member of the Hess School community, part of the Hamilton Twp. School District, where she served as a vice-principal. She loved her job working with students and staff and dedicated countless hours to serving her school community. Cara previously taught first grade at Chelsea Heights Elementary School in Atlantic City and she had many fond memories of the students and staff there.

Cara was a graduate of George Washington University and after graduation, she spent ten years in the hotel industry in the DC area. Upon her return to Atlantic County, she entered the field of education and earned her MA in Educational Administration from Stockton University.

Cara is survived by her husband, Scott, and her two beloved pets, Leroy, an English bulldog, and Eli, a mischievous cat. She was the beloved daughter of John and Joetta, beloved daughter-in-law of Doris and Mark, and the sister of Erica Rose Schaffer (Kevin) and J.C. Surace (Jessica). Under the mentorship of her Aunt Ginger Palmero, Cara was the fun, loving, and devoted aunt to Erica’s children Frankie, Leo, and Luci and J.C.’s children, J.C. and Lexi. She is also survived by aunts, uncles and cousins as well as her lifelong friends, DC posse, Chelsea Family and Hess Family. Cara’s numerous friends and family members are devastated by her loss but are comforted by the many happy memories of Cara. You could not know her without recognizing the light and love she projected.

A celebration of her life will be held on June 20, the summer solstice, one of her favorite holidays and a fitting reflection of the joy and sunshine she brought into all of our lives. Cara was an abundance of joy and everyone who knew and loved her counts themselves lucky to have experienced her magic.

In keeping with her love for animals, Cara’s family encourages donations to the Humane Society of Atlantic County, the National Zoo in Washington, DC, where she volunteered and had a particular love for the panda bears, or any animal rescue organization you support. At a later date, a scholarship will be set up in Cara’s name, more information to follow. Condolences at www.radzieta.com

Gerald Gamez, 65

February 6, 2021.

Cathedral High School, El Paso, TX

Assistant Principal

Obituary:

On February 6, 2021, Gerardo “Gerald” J. Gamez, loving husband, father, grandfather “Bamba”, son, brother, uncle, friend and educator, was welcomed into heaven. Gerald’s story began in Ankara, Turkey where he was born on March 29, 1965 to Fernando and Ethel Gamez. Gerald graduated from Hanks High School in 1983. During this time he met his one true love, Teresa. They were high school sweethearts and were married before God, family and friends on June 11, 1988. Gerald adored his wife. Gerald enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1986 and was honorably discharged in 1990. He later graduated from UTEP with Master’s Degrees in Guidance and Counseling and in Educational Administration.

Gerald was a passionate educator and mentor. He started his career as a Special Education teacher in San Elizario. He then became a counselor at Hanks and El Paso High and assistant principal at Eastwood and Del Valle High Schools. He retired from YISD in 2019 and joined Cathedral High School as an assistant principal. Gerald’s greatest love was his family. He and his wife were blessed with three children and a granddaughter. Gerald was also loved by his in-laws, dozens of good friends that were like family and his students. Gerald will be remembered for his profound devotion to his family. He was known as a practical jokester. If he had a smirk on his face, you knew he was up to something. He loved his Dallas Cowboys and believed every year they would win the Super Bowl. Gerald was involved in the ACTS community, Cub Scouts, Special Olympics and SAE Fraternity. Gerald was preceded in death by his father, Fernando Gamez Sr. He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Teresa, his children, Brittany, Krystal and Michael, granddaughter, Juliet, mother, Ethel, siblings, Isabel, Patty (Dale) and Fernando Jr. (Verna), several nieces, nephews and his students who loved him. Services will be held on February 18, 2021 at Fort Bliss National Cemetery. Services entrusted to Martin Funeral Home-East. The family would like to thank the community for their outpouring of love and support. Gerald will be missed tremendously. In the words of Gerald, “It doesn’t matter where you start, it matters where you end up.”

Washington Varnum Jr., 54

Died February 1, 2021.

Henderson Middle School, Atlanta, GA

Campus Supervisor

Local news:

A DeKalb County School District employee’s death was due to complications from the coronavirus, his family said this week.

Washington Varnum Jr., 54, was a campus supervisor at Henderson Middle School for the last three years, according to a statement from a district spokeswoman earlier this week. The statement did not include a cause of death.

“The DeKalb County School District sends its condolences to the family of Mr. Washington Varnum, Jr., as well as to the Henderson Middle School family,” the statement said. “Please keep his family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Varnum’s family said he worked in the school building until winter break, which began on Dec. 21. He washospitalized with COVID-19 on New Year’s Day, where he remained in the intensive care unit until his death, they said.

“The kids at the school were his life. He gave them jerseys, shoes, coats and lunch money,” said Connie Varnum, his sister. “He became a blessing to those kids.”

She said her brother had a wife, Carmen, and four stepchildren. He also had nine siblings, she said.

Brenda Varnum broke into tears over the phone on Wednesday as she spoke about her son’s death. She called him a “loving person so full of life,” that he touched many people him — be it through football, school or his career in law enforcement.

“A lot of people loved my baby,” she said. “I’m grateful and I thank God that other people saw the goodness in him.”

A native of Commerce, Washington VarnumJr.grew up in Decatur and was a 1985 graduate of Gordon High School, where he played football.

Joe Parks, 53, has known Washington VarnumJr. since he was eight. He described him a “high-spirited” man who “enjoyed family,” and would “give the shirt off his back” for people.

James Harris, who formerly played with football with Varnum, called him “a true friend and a brother.”

“It’s a major loss for many people,” he said.

Services for Varnum will take place at the Murray Brothers Funeral Home at 1 p.m. Monday. The gathering will be limited to 50 people.

Bobby Hulse, 76

Died January 27, 2021.

Norfork High School, Norfolk, AR

Principal

Obituary:

Bobby Dalton Hulse of Norfork, Arkansas, passed away January 27, 2021, in Mountain Home, Arkansas at the age of 76. He was born May 25, 1944, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, the son of Benny and Cecil. He married Vicky Kay Mann on December 11, 1970 in Warren, Arkansas and worked as an educator for 55 years. Bobby lived in Norfork since moving from Hermitage, in 1980. He was a member and Deacon at Norfork Baptist Church since August 1980.

Bobby started his teaching/coaching career following his graduation from Henderson State University as a junior high girls basketball coach and history teacher in Hermitage in 1966. There, he coached and met his wife of 50 years, Vicky Kay Mann, which he considered his life’s greatest accomplishment. He and Vicky became parents to Tasha Nicole and Lance Dion in Hermitage, where they built their first home. In 1980, Bobby took a Principal job in Norfork, Arkansas, where he has served many positions within the school and state educational system. He served as Elementary Principal, High School Principal, Coach, Athletic Director, and was considered a mentor, father/grandfather to a countless number of generations from Norfork. We were happy to lend our Bobby D to a community that meant so much to him.

Bobby D, a Dodger fanatic, would also be considered Norfork Panthers biggest fan. It didn’t matter what sport or how far he had to drive, he was there. He enjoyed watching all sports. He loved music of all kinds as well as entertaining his students and faculty at all school events. He had a green thumb like no other. When he wasn’t at a Norfork sporting event or working in his garden, he loved to support his grandkids in whatever activity they were involved.

Bobby is survived by his wife of 50 years, Vicky Hulse of Norfork, AR, daughter, Tasha Harris of Mountain Home, and son, Lance (Shammi) Hulse of Bee Branch; Grandchildren, Satch Harris, Dodge Harris and McGee Harris of Mountain Home; Riley Roberson, Emiley Roberson, Isaac Hulse, Haze Hulse, and Haddi Hulse of Bee Branch; Siblings, Vernon Hulse of Fordyce, Shirley Brooks of Watson Chapel, and Billy Joe (Helen) Hulse of White Hall; and a host of nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Benny and Cecil Hulse, Siblings, JD Hulse, Gene Hulse, Doris Smith, Margie Fikes, Edna Gunther and Don Hulse.

A Funeral Service for Bobby will be 2:00 pm, Sunday, January 31, 2021, at the Bobby D. Hulse Gymnasium at Norfork High School, with Shannon Byrd officiating. Burial will be in the Galatia Cemetery, Norfork, AR, with Brother Tom Stover officiating. Pallbearers will be Riley Roberson, Satch Harris, Isaac Hulse, Dodge Harris, McGee Harris, Haze Hulse, and Haddi Hulse. Honorary pallbearers will be Steve Lynch, Kevin Bodenhammer, Jerry Skidmore, Michael Zick, Darin Hughes, Melvin Small, and Rocky Dodson. Due to current restrictions, masks are required.

Memorials may be made to the Bobby D. Hulse Memorial Scholarship, which has been set up at Twin Lakes Community Bank, 23 Wolf St, Norfork, AR 72658 and Farmers and Merchants Bank, 502 South Hickory, Mountain Home, AR 72653.

David Lougee, 53

Died January 10, 2021.

Kashunamiut School District, Chevak, AK

Superintendent

Obituary:

On Sunday, January 10, 2021, David Alan Lougee, husband, father and grandfather, passed away at age 53 due to complications from COVID.

David was born on September 26, 1967, to Roy and Vicki Lougee. On September 30, 1989, he married Beth (Schiller) Lougee. They raised two sons, Matthew and Derek. David proudly served in the U.S. Army from 1987-1991. After his time serving in the U.S. Army, David earned his bachelors, masters and education specialist degrees in education where he believed in every student and educator ability to do their best and make the most out of everything.

In addition to David and Beth’s two sons, David loved his two daughter-in-law’s, Jennifer (Matthew) Lougee and Brynna (Derek) Lougee and six grandchildren. David absolutely loved each of his grandchildren and prided himself on making sure every visit was spent equally with each one going to breakfast, reading, playing games and sitting and just talking.

It is often said David did not know a stranger. He made people feel welcomed and was always making sure people were taken care of with food, rides and any other needs. David’s joy and enthusiasm for life was shared with those he coached, taught, worked with and either just met or knew all his life. David was also “fun” Uncle/Cousin Dave as you never knew mid story if you were going to be all the sudden tackled, tickled, swung around, high fived or off on an adventure that in his younger years may have been on the risky side to his older years where the adventures were more ice cream, shopping trips or a day venturing in the outdoors.

David was preceded in death by his parents, Roy and Vicki Lougee and father-in-law, Jake Schiller. He is survived by his wife Beth, his two sons and daughter-in-law’s, Matthew and Jennifer Lougee and Derek and Brynna Lougee and six grandchildren, Jeremiah, Mariah, Devyn, Leighton, Aspyn and Piper, brothers Darren Lougee and Mike (Heidi) Lougee, mother-in-law, Eileen Schiller, brother-in-law, Darin (Charma) Schiller and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

A funeral and burial service will be held at the Upton Community Center on January 19, 2021, at 10:00 a.m. The family is currently working to establish a student scholarship for a Wright Panther graduating senior in David’s name. Memorials and condolences may be sent in care of Gillette Memorial Chapel 210 West 5^th Street, Gillette, WY 82716. Condolences may also be expressed at www.gillettememorialchapel.com

Milady Sy Quito, 47

Died November 11, 2020.

Independence Elementary School, South Gate, CA

Principal

Local news:

Milady S. Quito was an educator, a community organizer, an activist, an aunt, a sister, a daughter, a confidante and a friend to many. At work and among her friends and family, she was known for both her lightheartedness and unreservedly no-nonsense approach in making things happen—whether it be an advocacy campaign for trafficked women, or planning her school’s program, or travel with old friends. Milady died on November 11, 2020, of the coronavirus. She was 47.

After growing up in San Diego as part of an immigrant, military family (her father, Lady, was in the Navy), Milady moved to LA to attend UCLA. Although she started as a science major, she fell in love with Political Science and involved in UCLA Samahang and then, focused her activism on fighting for Pilipino Studies to be included in the curriculum.

When years later, it finally became a course of study as a minor, she celebrated the victory but thought it was but one of many critical changes that needs to happen in the overall US educational system. This is part of the reason she became an educator.

Milady started as a parent coordinator and then became an elementary school teacher at LAUSD and worked hard to become a Principal at Independence Elementary School. Milady was devoted to her students. She shared with them, among others, one of the things she most cherished—books. When at a bookstore, which was often and for long hours, she bought books, mostly fiction, for the kids. She wanted them to have a novel, a non-textbook, that they could take home and savor, something they could be with, connect with.

Milady was an unapologetic feminist. She co-founded the UCLA chapter of Gabriela Network, a US-based, Philippine solidarity organization for women. In this work, she was also an educator, leading educational discussions, creating content and using her crafting skills to make issues come alive. Milady traveled to the Philippines often because of her political work where she lived on the picket line with women workers, studied the environmental damage after the oil spills in Iloilo and never hesitated to speak out and support the militant women’s movement. When she couldn’t go to the Philippines, she helped to send medical supplies, educational supplies and of course, books, to the activists and their families.

Milady was generous like that. Her generosity came naturally, without fuss. It was just a thing she did, a reflex. She was spontaneously generous with her time and energy, stepping up to leadership, whenever needed, in organizing timelines for social justice projects, in taking charge of materials and unwieldy logistics. She also lent the same kind of methodical, detailed process in coordinating itineraries for fun trips. One of the latest ones being to Croatia to visit the place where Game of Thrones was filmed. She did love to travel- her favorite cities were Paris and New York, which she tried to visit often.

When she came to New York City, for something related to her activist work and/or to visit friends, she made time for a Broadway show or two. Her friends often teased her that she secretly wanted to be a Broadway star. Milady had a powerful singing voice. She loved to sing. That was not a secret, though she always scoffed at any praise that came her way.

Before being diagnosed with Covid-19, less than a week before succumbing to the virus, Milady had dinner with a few old friends (all subsequently tested negative for Covid).

Though she loved her lechon kawali, pansit bihon, and everything Filipino, at this last dinner with friends, she shared a rib-eye steak and mussels in white wine sauce, and, for dessert, a confection of chocolate. She loved her chocolate.

Milady loved her family and she was able to spend Halloween with them. She was the ate of two sisters, Helene and Carol and Auntie to their five children, Derek and Leia Jolly, Lei Anh, Jet and Cruz Drake. She dressed up with them, cheered at their soccer games and read them bedtime stories. She had an annual pass to Disneyland, and was always up to take the kids especially to the new Star Wars land.

The week before her death, Milady was in a group text with the same old friends and others living hundreds of miles away. It had been the week of the U.S. elections. There was much bantering and outrageous humor, typical of such gatherings (real and virtual) among her friends. She did love to banter. No topic was too big or too small—politics, the perils of social media, Filipino telenovelas, K-pop, books.

Milady’s favorite book was “Le Petit Prince” (The Little Prince) by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. She had copies of it in multiple languages. She either bought them herself or were bought for her by friends whenever they traveled and stumbled on a copy. Her life seemed to have mirrored the themes in that novella: open-mindedness as that of a childlike mind, growth through external and internal explorations, relationships being at the core of what it means to be human.

In her Principal’s message to her school community for the school year, Milady cheered on the students, the parents, and the staff, making sure everyone stayed motivated and connected, that all students were given support to access distance learning. Her school’s theme this year is “Be Brave.” She said, “Never give up hope, no matter how dark things seem.” As with The Little Prince, Milady urged them to remember to look up at the stars, whatever that may represent for them—light, direction, grit, community, hope…

Milady was a Filipina American, born in Japan and grew up in California. She is survived by her mother, 2 sisters, 5 nieces and nephews, and countless friends, women whom she referred to as sisters, in the most intimate and deepest sense of the word, from California to New York, from the Philippines to Holland. (Contributed by Annalisa Enrile and Dorotea Mendoza)

Bruce Thomas, 64

James Mercadante, 55

Cara Bluth, 45

Ruben Cajigas, 46

Gerald Gamez, 65

Ennis McCorvey, 60

Washington Varnum Jr., 54

Bobby Hulse, 76

David Lougee, 53

Milady Sy Quito, 47