Dear Isabella and Elizabeth,

You do not know us but we felt strongly that we had to write to both of you to let you know just how very sorry we were to hear about your mom. We knew your mom and worked with her a long time ago. We just wanted to let you know a few things about her. 

Your mom's first teaching job was at Salk Middle School in Levittown, NY.  She was an energetic, kind, and creative art teacher. She was well liked by all of her students and by those who worked with her. She stayed late and always found time to work with her students who needed extra help. She often stayed late and helped other teachers add art into their lessons. She always added her artistic flair and decorated the hallways and the entire gym for special occasions. She somehow found the time during the holidays to make little gifts for everyone who worked in this building.  She was even one of the first cheerleading coaches at Salk.  She participated in every school function. Although she was little in size, she had a lot of energy and accomplished a lot.  She had a lot of good stories and loved to laugh, and if you weren't having a good day, Carrie would find some way or say somthing to make you laugh.

For these and many other reasons, we just wanted to give you a little sense of what your mom was like as a teacher.  She was that teacher that every kid could talk to, and wanted to have for art. She was a caring teacher and co-worker that even though she left when she had you, and hasn't worked here in over ten years, she is still thought of fondly and remembered for her goodness and kind nature.

We hope that this letter will make you feel even better about the special mom you have.  Even though this is the toughest thing you have ever experienced, your mom will always watch over you and always be a part of your lives.  We have made a contribution in memory of your mom and planted trees in Israel.

With our sincerest condolences,

The Salk Teachers

Lisa Poggioli, Betty Weiss, Christine Morrow, Erica Tuccillo, Dan Agovino, Anastasia Tsunis, Sheila Greenberg, Marion Attias, Debbie Wendt, Jane Ross, Ronnie Attanasio, Angela Sposato, Dave Insana, Ginny Wezwick, Rich Cirillo, Laura Miller Tuccillo, Janet Jakubowski, Evelyn Curran, Stew Kempinski