Beloved Sandpiper Elementary Teacher Passes Away

Editor's Note: Principal Linda McDaniel has announced the passing of teacher Connie Morgan, who died peacefully on July 8 surrounded by family and friends.

Principal Linda McDaniel issued the following statement following Morgan's death.

Our beloved teacher, Connie Morgan, passed away peacefully on Friday, July 8, at 5:35 p.m. surrounded by her devoted husband, children, extended family members and a lifetime friend. I am thankful that I was able to visit with Mrs. Morgan prior to my departure for vacation. I took a copy of the yearbook to share with her the many thank you notes from the fifth grade class.

Mrs. Morgan was an extraordinary teacher who touched the lives of each of her students in a very special way. She had an incredible gift for being able to bring out the best in every child who crossed the threshold of her classroom door. The children in Mrs. Morgan's classroom will remember her as the teacher who believed in them and prepared them for success in school. She always went above and beyond her teaching duties to ensure the happiness of not only her students and their parents, but also her colleagues.

Even as Mrs. Morgan battled her illness at the beginning of the 2009 school year, she had planned the entire year for her students. She had made the initial entries in the memory books that she prepared for students every year and scheduled the annual class play on the master calendar. Mrs. Morgan's smile brightened the office every day. We were fortunate to be able to share her love for teaching and learning. Her passion for art will never be forgotten, as we continue to carry on the annual Art in Action display at Open House.

We know how difficult it was for Mrs. Morgan to let go of her commitment at Sandpiper School to take care of her health and we were grateful when she returned to school in June 2010 to say good-bye to her students. In her own way, she brought closure to her 20 years of service in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District. Mrs. Morgan was more than a colleague, she was a friend for life. As she now rests in peace, we will find comfort in knowing she was loved by all who were connected to Sandpiper School and we loved her too. Our deepest sympathy and condolences are extended to Mrs. Morgan's family.

There will be a memorial service for Mrs. Morgan on Sunday, July 24, at 3:00 p.m. at the Sandpiper Community Center. Her family invites the Sandpiper School community to join them in this celebration of her life. Plans are underway for a special tribute to Mrs. Morgan at Sandpiper School. If you would like to help provide refreshments for the memorial service, please follow this link to sign up. If you have questions, please contact Mindy Shelton at mindyshel@gmail.com.