Humble. Effective. Professional. Disciplined. She could have done anything she wanted in life. Loving mother. Great sense of humor. Always packed her own lunch and used real sliverware. A beautiful person.
These were just some of the words and phrases that described Ms. Diana Luna, who passed away on December 20, by those who knew her best. She was 48.
Through tearful eyes and quivering voices filled with gratitude, appreciation and sorrow, Marshall teachers and staff, both current and former, gathere
d in Riverside Park on December 27th to honor and pay their respects to Ms. Luna who was not only longtime staff member, but was a parent at the school and a close friend to many who worked with her over the years. Principal Juan Puentes remarked at the first faculty meeting of the semester acknowledging that although not every staff member who wanted to attend the memorial was able due to the winter break holiday, he was deeply moved that almost 70 people showed up to celebrate Ms. Luna’s short, but remarkable life, a testament to her impact at Marshall.
Diana Luna began working at Marshall as a clerk in the Special Education Office assisting teachers with IEP’s, interpreting meetings for parents, allowing teachers to focus on delivering instruction. In 2009 when the district experienced devastating cuts, many school offices had to share clerical office staff. Marshall was no exception. Ms. Luna was assigned to the counseling office for half the day and the SpEd office the other half. And according to Mike Finn, SpEd Department Chair, due to her excellent organizational skills, professional demeanor and competancy, “Every office she worked in wanted to keep her full-time but oh no, I wasn’t having any of that.” Ms. Luna continued working in both offices until her death.
SpEd Assistant, Ms. Yotzi Barrillas remembers her this way, “ I always admired work ethic. Not to mention her beautiful smile and contagious laughter.” Ms. Wanda Wade, also in the SpEd Department, gave a powerful testimony of love and faith even when grieving, citing a verse from the Bible, ¨He gives power to the weak and strength to the powerless.¨ (Isaiah 40:29)Though the SpEd Department knew Ms. Luna the longest, and arguably the best, there wasn’t one person who met her, even briefly, who wasn’t touched by her kindness and patience. Ms. Beny Merlos, Marshall’s Parent Director said Ms. Luna would often remind her, “I always believe that the reason we are here is for our students, and if we do not support them, how are they going to succeed?”
A school is a community because of the people who work in it and dedicate their lives to the students and families they serve. Ms. Luna embodied all the qualities that make working at a school memorable. She will be deeply missed.
On site mental health resources were provided by district for both students and staff.
