Purita Pava

June 10th, 1938 - January 30th, 2024

Purita's Memory Wall

We encourage you to share your most beloved memories of Purita here, so that the family and other loved ones can always see it. Share your favorite stories or comment on those shared by others.

Purita embodied the word Teacher. She was unwavering in her belief that all students could learn and flourish.
It is true that she had a mind unparalleled in it's acuity and a stellar education, but she also had an amorphous quality that I can only inadequately describe as magic.
Countless times, Purita has walked into my classroom and rescued a child that wasn't getting what they needed form me or the universe that day. Like a divining rod, Purita would find the child and offer her expectant outstretched hand. Magically the child would take the offer and follow Purita to her office. When they returned, both Purita and the child were typically beaming with pride. The child always had something to show me . Some precious new learning and something tangible to show for it. Over the years it happened often enough to be mundane, but it was always a blessing.
Purita knew, that like my students, I needed her everyday magic and guidance. She took me under her wing and helped me with everything from how to correctly boil an egg to how to plan a lesson that works, to what to do if your unborn child wants to be born way to early. Which was by the way, stay calm and let the Pava's come to the rescue; three times.
Purita has blessed my life in so many ways, her influence on me and my family is deep and lasting. I will carry her memory and all the practical ways she showed love, with me always.