Wednesday, February 2, 2022
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This was something I wrote and posted on social media. There were videos attached that I had taken of Marie laughing, I cannot post them here unfortunately…regardless, I wanted to honor Marie here as well…
“As empathetic as one might be, it can be very difficult to truly understand certain types of profound loss until they strike close to home. I write this (or try to) with a celebration of life rather than sadness (I know she wouldn’t have it any other way). My friends (and colleagues) and I were forced to say goodbye to someone we all loved very much, our colleague and dear friend Marie Speranza. While it is impossible to sum her up in a social media post, I will do the best I can to bring to life the woman she was for those of you who did not have the honor of knowing her, and for those of you who knew her and loved her as we did. I don’t have any still pictures of her unfortunately, but even if I did, I would share these videos because this WAS Marie and the way I will always remember her. Her laugh was infectious and came from the very bottom of her heart. She could ALWAYS find the humor in a situation and make you smile even when you thought you just couldn’t. Marie did everything with her full heart, whether it was being a mom, fighting for something she was deeply passionate about, teaching or being a true and honest friend. You knew she was present (mind and body) and cared genuinely and completely. She could always be counted on for an honest opinion, to lend an ear, a good laugh or a shoulder on which to rest your head. Marie listened to understand, not just to simply respond. She welcomed people with open arms and treated everyone with kindness and respect. That being said, she was no pushover! Knowing her as a teacher (primarily of seniors), I can say that she helped even the most resistant students cross the finish line even if she had to drag them kicking and screaming, and lot of times, that was the case. She always did it with compassion, making sure to keep a student’s dignity intact…but she also did it with complete transparency and without sugarcoating or coddling. She will always be remembered for this by her colleagues and former students. When Marie started something, she saw it through to the end despite how difficult the road to get there might have been and working with her students was no different.
While this is just a snapshot of the woman she was, I can only hope she’s smiling watching me write this and she knows just how truly loved she is. Marie, I will always cherish and hold close to my heart the times we shared (mostly laughing). You were always a breath of fresh air for me and I know without a shadow of a doubt, you loved me and always had my back…you had proven that more than once. You always had a solution or told me to trust myself and my gut, to be confident and know that the decision I was making was the right one because it was from the heart. You were one of the strongest people I have ever had the honor of knowing and loving and I promise to keep your spirit alive with memories, stories, how I work with my students and of course these ridiculous videos! I love you my friend. Rest well.”
To her family and friends, most of all to her son Matthew, you are in my thoughts.
All my love and deepest condolences,
Victoria Genovese
