Love watching my solstice sun catcher from Avril show off its magic 🌈💖
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Last night I went to the New Moon ceremony done by two women. It was lovely in so many ways. But I was mildly annoyed by one of the women's demeanor. I suppose I will find out more about what that is about! She is a bit awkward in doing ceremony and I kept thinking of Avril and wanting her gentle, grounded, and assured presence to be there, modeling for us this connectedness without question. I only participated once in a Solstice ceremony with Avril and Doug but I hold it close. What an amazing human being she was. I am so lucky she was the mother of my beloved son-in-law, Sean because he was influenced by her in loving ways.
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I received an email asking what I learned at Avril's memorial. I couldn't find where that should be posted, so I'm doing that here.
First, I'd like to say that was the most beautiful and touching memorial service I've ever attended. Each of the speakers clearly put a lot of thought and preparation in their eulogies.
What did I learn? I always knew Avril was an amazing person. What I learned was that the depth and breadth of her impact in this world was far deeper and broader that I was aware. Her life was well-lived. It was an inspirational memorial service. Thanks to all that made this gathering possible.
Larry
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2015, Metropolitan Learning Center, Northwest Glisan Street, Portland, OR, USA
"Make your silliest face"
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2015, Metropolitan Learning Center, Northwest Glisan Street, Portland, OR, USA
Releasing a butterfly with her Kindergarten class
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2023, Taborspace, Southeast Belmont Street, Portland, OR, USA
Monarch at Avril’s Memorial
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Spending time in Avril’s classroom was truly one of the highlights of my life. Even after 15 years of weekly volunteering in her classroom, I felt I learned something every time. I was blessed to have the privilege just to be there and witness the genius that she was with her combination of experience, knowledge, knack for connecting with children and really anyone who walked into her classroom and most importantly how her sweet soul wrapped the room in love.
A couple weeks after Avril passed, I was enthusiastically recognized by one of Avril’s former students. He is 19 and before I could get a word in, he told me how wonderful and kind she was and that she was the best teacher he ever had. He said she had taught him “how to be a moral person.” It was very touching, though I was sorry to have to tell him of Avril’s passing. What a beautiful thing to know that she had such a profound affect and that this young man recognized and loved her for it.
I told him that Avril had the highest standards but, the softest voice and touch and he agreed. We can all use that soft voice and touch holding us to the highest standard. I know I appreciate it.
Love, Clifford
4
Avril was both Taylor and Miles' 1st & 2nd grade Teacher at MLC. I am forever grateful for the kind, intelligent, and courageous manner in which she led her community of learners each year. She was grace incarnate, always calm, poised, purposeful, warm, understanding, and she took her role as educator very seriously. I'll never forget the depth at which her students actively engaged with the MLC community and environs in their study of the "neighborhood," and through their interviews, surveys, graphs, illustrations and text, they grappled with the important question of what made a neighborhood livable. Spending time in Avril's classroom was always a delight, as students were engaged, creative, and were respected as valuable individuals. Thank you, Avril. You certainly made the world a better place.
2
Avril was Liliana's teacher for 1st and 2nd grade. I loved her as much as Liliana did. I'll never forget how she connected with each student as they entered the classroom every morning. They would patiently wait in line outside their classroom and one by one, she would say good morning to them, making eye contact, shaking their hand or giving them a hug. She made them all feel respected and seen.
3
I am so incredibly sorry to hear that Avril has passed. I had the absolute pleasure of being in her 1st and 2nd grade class at MLC in her first years there. She was the best teacher I ever had. I’ll never forget how kind she was and how good she was with all of us. I have a very specific memory of admiring her tattoos and trying to draw my own as a result. I still have friends from her class and whenever school comes up, we talk about how those were the best years and how Avril was the best teacher. I hope you know how much of an impact she had on so many people. She was a wonderful person and I am glad to have met her. I wish your family love and comfort during this time.
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Erin FK
2016, Metropolitan Learning Center, Northwest Glisan Street, Portland, OR, USA
Avril was just 100% good human. I asked Linus what she did when kids misbehaved or when there was conflict. He said, “she just worked it out with everyone mom, and solved the problem.” I asked if she ever got mad or raised her voice, and he said, “oh no, she just got everyone to work through it, she didn’t get mad about it.” She loved each of her kids so much and we loved her too. Avril was the simply the best, and she made the world better with her presence. How we will miss her!
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2016, Metropolitan Learning Center, Northwest Glisan Street, Portland, OR, USA
Best kindergarten teacher ever
7
I met Avril when she taught first my son, and then my daughter, at MLC. She ended up teaching me as well! Perhaps unknown to her, she provided me with lessons on how to engage with and respect children/young people. These lessons served me well not only in my role as a parent, but also later as a teacher in my own classroom. When I spent time around Avril, I was frequently amazed at how she so perfectly handled situations and communicated with those in her care. I walked away with a new way of thinking about what respect and communication could look like. I am forever grateful to Avril, for her grace, her compassion, and the loving calm she brought to us all.
7
When I retired, Avril was the teacher who was hired to teach in the classroom that I had been in for 20 years. I knew from the first minute of the interview that she would be an amazing person to take over the job that I had loved.
I helped in her classroom sometimes and I often thought: "Why didn't I ever do that? What a great idea! She's amazing!"
When I started supervising student teachers, I had the pleasure of working with students that were placed in her classroom. Lewis and Clark College put as many people in her room as she would take. She was just as wonderful in teaching the beginning teacher as she was with her younger students.
After retirement, we both were supervisors and it was wonderful to work with her again in this new role. We got together a few times during Covid. I remember sitting outside on my porch on a rainy day. We had to be outside and we made getting together work even in difficult times.
I remember our last couple of meetings at a coffee shop near her home when she expressed her fear of her declining memory. She was so brave.
I will always remember how she used music in the classroom, how she seemed to settle even the most troubled child, how she welcomed me into her classroom and became my good friend.
We will all miss her. I did not know Avril's family, but I know how much she loved them and how much they loved her. My heart goes out to you and I thank you for the loving care you gave her during her last difficult years.
Patte Sullivan
6
I knew Avril as my 1st and 2nd grade teacher- as did my older brother. I’m now 23 and think of her often. She was always engaging, passionate, and creative, leaving a lasting impact on the minds she taught. My mom still holds onto multiple projects my brother and I made in her classes. My family adored her so much that on our trips back to portland in the summer we’d make an effort to pop into MLC just to try and visit her. Some of my fondest childhood memories take place in her classroom and to this day she’s still one of the best teachers I’ve ever known. Like many others, I am lucky to have been influenced by such a bright soul at that young age, and know she will be carried on in the memories of all the lives she touched. Sending love and my deepest condolences to the friends and family of Avril.
5
Dear Avril's family and friends,
I met Avril through Veronica Pacini. Avril was one of the co-celebrants of our wedding. Avril was one of the most angelic people I've known. She had a delightful sense of humor and laughed easily. Friendly, kind, welcoming, a supportive and constant friend, Avril was a gift to all she knew. She must have been a wonderful teacher. I know she was an exceptional friend.
To those that survive Avril, I extend my deepest sympathy. It's so hard to lose one so precious. I'm sorry. I hope you can find some modicum of comfort in remembering what a gift she was to you all.
Sincerely,
Larry
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To all of those who loved Avril, family, Doug Kelly, friends
I wish for you peace in your hearts and helpful hands to give to those in need as Avril helped so many people and animals including me and Babooshka the kitty. I am so grateful for her and the time I had to spend with her in this life, for the happiness in her heart that she shared with everyone she met. Avril gave so much value to life and to creating love around her with her big smile and open arms.
I will look for her star shinning in the sky..
Avril will be greatly missed here on earth.
Love to you all,
Erica Loloff
5
Avril was such a lovely person, and I had the great good fortune of being a part of her family with Jesse and Sean. There are so many memories of being a part of that family. Such a wonderful time, wonderful experiences, and seeing firsthand just what a special mother she was and a special friend to so many.
Love, Tom
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