The John Muir Fundamental Elementary School student body and their parents were shocked this week to hear that popular fifth grade GATE teacher Deanna Rodriguez had suddenly passed away. Reportedly she had a fatal heart attack while undergoing an angioplasty procedure.

Rodriguez taught three of my children, including my son Joey who graduated with the highest GPA in the SAUSD – and who is now finishing his final year at UCLA with degrees in English and Film, and my son Jacob who received a Presidential Award this year as he finished his time at Muir and is now headed for Columbus Tustin Magnet School.  Joey earned a Presidential Award too, with Rodriguez’ help!

Rodriguez was an amazing teacher who I am sure is being greatly missed by her family and friends.  She had a real knack for teaching kids the basics in a creative fashion.  Her classrooms were always adorned with the many projects the students worked on under her direction.

Rodriguez’s services will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2014, with a vigil at 5:00 pm and a Rosary from 7:00-9:00 pm at the Saddleback Chapel, located at 220 E. Main St., in Tustin.  And on Wednesday, August 13, 2014, there will be a Memorial Service at 10:00 am at La Purisima Catholic Church, located at 11712 N Hewes St., in Orange.  That will be immediate followed by a Committal at Holy Sepulcher Cemetery, located at 7845 E. Santiago Canyon Rd., in Orange.

If you are unable to attend but would like to send a card, the address is 9142 Caladium Ave, Fountain Valley, CA 92708.

My family is forever indebted to Rodriguez for doing a great job of educating our kids.  May she rest in peace.