Farewell to Senora Fernandez

Senora Maria Fernandez
It was with great sadness that we learned Anna's long time Spanish teacher, Senora Fernandez, passed away on July 2 following complications from heart surgery.  She was only 51 years old.

Senora Fernandez was a long-time Spanish teacher at St. Mark's school (she has been Anna's teacher since pre-school).  She had just accepted a new position at a local Catholic high school that she was to begin this fall.  She truly served as an inspiration to her students and proudly adopted the U.S. as her home country.  She bravely fought - and beat - cancer a few years ago, all while continuing to teach.  The school community was devastated by her loss, but came together to celebrate her life at a memorial service on July 5.  Despite the holidays, the church was full of former students, colleagues, friends and family.  Anna joined her friends to sing in the choir.

Despite the sadness, the mourners tried to honor her wishes by celebrating her life - in both English and Spanish. The kids wore bright colors and the choir sang uplifting music - including many of Senora Fernandez's favorites.  Anna's music teacher, Mrs. Prince, informed the choir that their job was to sing loudly and joyfully just as requested - and they did.  Senora Fernandez's sister gave a moving eulogy about her sister's devotion to her students and her adopted country.  She asked all of her current and former students to stand (half the church stood up) and read a letter that Senora Fernandez wrote to her students in her final days.  It was truly moving

Below are some recordings of a couple of the songs the choir sang.  Kudos to Mrs. Prince and the choir on a job well done.  Rest in peace Senora Fernandez.  You will be missed.

I Am the Bread of Life
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1X7gMUC4dM3MYWuuCnTca2gejgeCPeB5z 

Our God is an Awesome God
https://drive.google.com/open?id=1SvqHtPDg9cgz7KciQfY83VQeg7eBPovW 

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