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Marianne Kjos Obituary
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Memories and Condolences
for Marianne Kjos
Sponsored by Jose & Kristy Roces.
Anthony Rojas
January 15, 2018
I was reminiscing today, on MLK day, remembering a paper I submitted on Dr. Martin Luther King, and his dream/message to Mrs. Kjos, in my junior yr of high school, 1993. I remember having a great discussion that resulted in an epiphany. As a kid, I took Dr. King as a champion for African American rights, but at that moment, after a discussion with Mrs. Kjos, I realized his message was/is for all people.
I decided to google her name and am saddened to learn of her passing. My thoughts and prayers go out to her and her family.
I learned so much from Mrs. Kjos, and truly started to be analytical with what I read. Mrs. Kjos taught me one of the great truths. That it doesn't matter what you think, but it's what you know that matters. She was always very quick with her whit, putting a stop to any nonsense, but always classy, and meaningful in the way she did it. One of the most influential teachers I had growing up. She pushed me to be a better student and person.
I wish all teachers were like you, especially in this day and age. Thank you Mrs. Kjos.
Anthony Rojas
Commander, USN
Gina Sanchez
December 30, 2014
Mrs. Kjos was my favorite teacher at Sunset. She was one of the most intelligent, gentle and classy women I have ever met. She encouraged me to write about topics dearest to me, and I'll never forget her. I remember walking with her in the hallway once, and we overheard two girls using very offensive language. In disgust, Mrs. Kjos turned to me, put one hand over her pearl necklace, and said "Oh, and I'm wearing my pearls!" What a lady! To this day, I still say that when I hear something offensive, and think of her each time. My condolences go to her friends, family and former students. I am honored to have been in her AP English and Composition class, my senior year, 1997.
Daniel Lopez
April 6, 2013
Mrs. Kjos was a brilliant teacher and an amazing person. I was fortunate to have been her student in the 1998/99 school year for AP Language & Composition. It saddens me to learn only now of her passing, but I pray that her soul is at peace in heaven and that her positive influence on all of us that she touched continues to be felt as we pay forward the many blessings she shared with us. She was extremely intelligent, and a very effective communicator. More importantly, she was an educator that taught with love and compassion. She will be missed always, and I just want to say that I feel grateful and honored to have known her. I would like to visit her grave, so if anyone can give me information about that it would be appreciated.
-Danny Lopez
Miami Sunset Senior High
Class of 2000
[email protected]
Evelyn Escobar-Blanch
December 28, 2012
A colleague of mine said she was having dinner tonight with her high school English teacher who had such a positive influence on her. I excitedly told her I had a very similar experience which prompted me to search for Mrs Kjos today. To my dismay I missed reconnecting with her by almost 5 years. With a heavy heart, I felt compelled to write something today because I surely never told her what a cool lady I thought she was and how she fostered a love for writing and literature in me. Mrs Kjos stands out above all of my other teachers at Miami Sunset. I looked forward to my AP English class back in 1995 because she had a very strong yet delicate way of pushing you to do your best work. I am fortunate to have had her in my life and I am not surprised to see she touched so many others in the same way.
I don't have any other tangible memory of her other than the Bedford Reader I cherish in my bookcase.
Michelle Plasencia
June 28, 2011
Mrs. Kjos is the reason I am an English teacher today. In fact, she is the reason I graduated from Miami Sunset High School. I suffered from severe asthma and missed so many weeks of school, that I was about to drop out and get my GED. I knew I would never be able to make-up all the work and keep up with my current assignments. Mrs. Kjos personally helped me make arrangements with my other teachers so I could make up the work and graduate with my class. May God rest her soul.
Jenny Mccoy
May 29, 2011
She was my favorite teacher - I took Creative writing with her at Sunset in 1985. I was a 'difficult' child in high school, and she was the only teacher to see through my issues and get to my heart. I will always love her and keep her alive in my heart. May you be somewhere warm and beautiful, Marianne.
Maria Arguello
January 6, 2011
This woman personified brilliance and class. I took AP English with her at Sunset and she was a life changer.
Carlos Detres
October 8, 2009
I was online today looking for Mrs. Kjos' information so that I could write and tell her how her encouragement affected me and how I still value her teaching today as it I did 12 years ago. She was the only teacher who made me feel as if I could do something with myself. If education were a religion, she would be a saint. I know it's cliche but I would not be doing what I'm doing today if it wasn't for her.
My thoughts are with the Kjos family. To you, I say that she has helped so many with just a few gestures. That's how incredible she was to those who studied under her.
My best,
Carlos
Jessica Fishbein
September 19, 2009
I have been an English teacher for 14 years. I was fortunate enough to take AP training seminars with Marianne twice. I drove her a little crazy with my perfectionism, but she loved me; she told me that she expected I would keep in touch with her to update her on my progress. Alas, I did write to her once and did not hear back --most probably because she was ill. I'm so grateful to have been able to learn from her. I have learned more from her than any English professor I took in college or graduate school. What a privilege to have been taught by such a brilliant and engaging woman. Thanks to her the majority of my students earned perfect scores of 5's the second year I taught AP Language and Composition. The combination of Marianne's caring, humor, and brilliance made her one of the rarest and best teacher-of-teachers I have ever met. I will miss her and I will missing being able to learn from her. Although she is gone, she continues to inspire me. I hear her voice in my head as I'm teaching. Her words of wisdom live on. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family.
John Baker
November 19, 2008
I took 12th grade English with Mrs. Kjos at Sunset... What a fantastic teacher. She gave me such confidence and encouragement as a student. I am so happy I had the opportunity to thank her personally several years ago. She was a very special woman.
Juan Llano
August 5, 2008
I write today because Marianne Kjos believed in me when no one else did. Some teachers teach, but she inspired. She took the small flame I had inside and helped me nurture it into a bonfire.
I found out today, ever so late. But my untimeliness does not diminish the sorrow I feel. My only regret is that I did not have the chance to see her again. I am comforted to know that she knew how special she was.
My condolences to the family.
Melissa Avello
July 8, 2008
I am not surprised to read so many heartfelt tributes to Marianne Kjos. I too was blessed to have had Mrs. Kjos as an English teacher. She was the best teacher any student could ever have. To say she was inspiration isn't enough. She touched the lives of each and every student she taught. I will never forget her or the lasting impression she left with me. I am an English teacher myself, and I can honestly say she continues to inspire me.
I'd like to send my deepest condolences to her family for their loss. May God bless you.
Andres Reyna
May 28, 2008
Dear Kjos Family,
I offer you my condolences. Mrs. Kjos is the best teacher I have ever had. Her English class has always been a source of good memories for me and helped inspire me to become a teacher myself. Thank you.
Michelle Ochoa
March 3, 2008
Dear Kjos family,
I worked with Marianne at Miami Sunset Sr. High school and I am deeply saddened to hear of your loss. She was an inspiration to those she taught and to those she worked with.
Arlene Nicholson
February 24, 2008
Kjos Family,
I regret not being able to have attended Marianne's services but I do not regret having her as a colleague at Sunset. I always enjoyed her unquie smile, sincere concern for others and just her genuine ways about her.
I would not only like to express my heartfelt sympathy in the loss of your wife and mother but to send my thoughts and prayers in your time of mourning.
Bob Cockrum
February 22, 2008
Les, our sympathy to you and the family. It's been a long time since UPI/DX, but some people you don't forget ... and especially at times like this.
Kelly M. Herrera
February 18, 2008
I'm absolutely heartbroken to hear about Mrs. Kjos. She was---by the HUGEST leaps and bounds---the best teacher I ever had.
She had this ability to say things that would absolutely shake your soul. Even as an impossibly immature 16 year old, her words would constantly weave through my life, and continue to do so today.
I distinctly remember her talking about death. She said that one of the main reasons people cry at funerals is because they regret not having said what they needed to say to the person while they were alive, and that has ALWAYS stuck with me. Because of that, I've made it a point to tell those who are important to me that I love them. It was that sentiment that helped me express in words (that I'm sure Mrs. Kjos would have approved of) how much my grandfather meant to me before he began to slip into the stages of dementia.
If she made this much of an impact on me, I can't even imagine how those closest to her feel. I offer my deepest sympathies.
She was an amazing, empathetic woman, who just KNEW. She was sure of herself, and more importantly, sure of others.
Lisa Valadez Ghai
February 18, 2008
My brother and I were lucky enough to have Mrs. Kjos as our teacher at Miami Sunset. She wrote me a letter of recommendation that helped me obtain a college scholarship, and for that and many other reasons, I will always be in her debt. I loved to see her at Mass on Saturdays at Good Shepherd, and I would always make sure to read a little more carefully when it was my turn to lector and Mrs. Kjos was in the congregation - I so wanted to make her proud. To her family, I hope it brings you comfort to know that she is so warmly remembered by so many people. God bless you.
Margaret Gannon
February 16, 2008
Dear family of Marianne Kjos,
I knew Marianne from Good Shepherd Catholic Church. What a wonderful person with so much courage. She fought the good battle and she is finally at peace with our God. We have missed her at Church. I served her Communion the last time she was able to attend. I was so happy to see her and her great smile. I wish I had known she was at Coral Reef.
Nicole Casanova
February 12, 2008
Mrs. Kjos also made a huge impression on me and like so many others, I am thankful to be a recipient of her many gifts. She not only instilled a love of language, she told it like it was. I loved that. I was fortunate enough to have her as my teacher for both my junior and senior years ast Sunset. My last period of the day during Senior year was independent study with Mrs. Kjos. That year certainly shaped my future. Where other kids might have left early and written off the class, I couldn't wait to see my redlined papers. I count that opportunity, getting to write and be critiqued by Mrs. Kjos for an entire year, as one of the best gifts I've ever received.
My blessings to your family.
Arlene Casanova Taylor
February 12, 2008
My daughter, Nicole Casanova was so fortunate to have Mrs. Kios as her English teacher. She was instrumental in nominating Nikki for a silver knight award. She was so special to my daughter in guiding her in Sunset High School. My daughter went on to earn a master's degree in Communications and I believe it was in a large part due to your mother and your wife. She will truly be missed by the academic community.
Sharon Johnson
February 12, 2008
Marianne and I were friends growing up in Denver Colorado. In high school we participated in many activities together. I had lost tract of Marianne over the years, but occasionally would hear of her successes and struggles. I was sadden when learning of her untimely death. Marianne was one of only a few of us who pursued education beyond high school. Her contributions to the education of others is evident. I can only imagine what a wonderful job she did as she dedicated her live to children. God bless her family.
Kristy P. Roces
February 7, 2008
Mrs. Kjos,
You won my heart over many years ago. I was lucky enough to know you, not only as my teacher and mentor, but also as my friend. In 1997 my Grandmother suffered a stroke. You took the time to ask me each and every day how she was doing and when she wasn't doing well, you took the time to comfort me and encourage me to have faith and to trust in God...I did exactly that. I'm not sure if you know what a huge role you played in my life that year-my family and I will always be grateful. My first period class with Ms. Lirakis was right next to yours...and your smile was unforgettable the day I told you Abuela was doing better. Thank you for taking the time to care about me and about your students and your friends and your family. Thank you for giving so much of yourself-unconditionally. Thank you for always knowing what to say and what not to say... Thank you for allowing me to be a part of your life and for being able to learn from you the lessons that I will forever carry in my heart. I can only hope and pray that one day, my son comes across a teacher that will impact his life in more ways than one...and will extend the same guidance, love, and leadership that you did. May he be that lucky and may you be one of the angels that guides him through school. I liked you the very first day I met you in 11th grade English and today, I love you more than words can ever say. May God bless you and may you have the eternal love and peace that you have always given to others. Your family now has an angel to watch over them each and every day. I will miss you so very much... All my love, your "Pego-Pita"
Marta Cutie
February 5, 2008
I met Marianne after her diagnosis when we were both working at the district downtown. Michael Bell introduced us. I am a 20-yr ovarian cancer survivor. I admired her courage and strength. I fought too and endured, but never relapsed and I can say I survived. I wonder if I could have done what she did, get treatments, then go to work, and the stress of it all.
I lost track of Marianne after I left the school system and returned to work in the private sector, but thought of her often, always hoping for the best for her and her family. I hope the last 7 years bought her time to spend more quality time with her loved ones. Another angel has risen.
Maritza Diaz
February 2, 2008
I was sorry to hear of your great loss, Marianne Kjos. She was a joy. She will be missed by so many people she touched in their lives.
Bonnie Laden Hernandez
February 2, 2008
My heart broke this morning, when I learned of this great loss. The students of Miami-Dade have lost a champion. I am proud to say Mrs. Kjos and her class hold some of my fondest memories from Miami Sunset.
My heart and prayers go out to her family as they mourn her passing. I hope she is now at peace.
Nicole Halsey Mathieu
February 1, 2008
A friend of mine emailed me today and said that her high school English teacher passed away and she sat at her desk and cried--this teacher was an extremely positive influence on her life. She directed me to this link and after reading all of the lovely things people had to say about Mrs. Kjos, I wanted to leave a message.
I grew up in the Bronx, in New York City, and one of the most positive influences on my life was my fifth grade teacher. I keep in contact with her, she came to my recent wedding and I speak to her periodically. At this point, she's really like family.
Teachers are easily the most influential people in the lives of young people. My teachers have helped me to become the adult that I am today and I am thankful to each of them.
I can tell from these posts that Mrs. Kjos was a unique person and a very, very special teacher. I would like to extend my deepest condolences to her husband, daughter and extended family. I hope that they can find some solace in knowing that she was beloved.
Hayley Milks-Tobar
February 1, 2008
Whenever anyone asks me who has inspired me most, it is undoubtedly Mrs. Kjos. I remember each day in her class as an adventure; her words fueled so many of us to think about ourselves and our lives with so much excitement. I will always remember the day I walked into class at the end of the year and many students had skipped- I said, "Where is everybody?" Her response was, "Oh Hayley, the 'Everybody's' are here, it's the nobody's your apparently asking about." She had a way of making you feel so important and I hope wherever she is, she is surrounded by the "Everybody's".
Andres Munar
January 31, 2008
I took class from Marianne-how strange to call her this, though how I wish I could have had that chance- and I offer you, her friends and family, my deepest condolences.
Marianne was, above all, an artist. The simplicity of how she achieved this is what's truly impressive: Everyday, she woke up, brushed her teeth, went to work, and chose to see the artist in everyone else.
I'd never had a teacher who demanded, in that beautifully, maternally orchestrated way of hers, I use my brain better. And my heart even more so. She wanted us to wake up, stand up, shout at the bigger world, confront it, but only with the tools that make a real human being: Compassion, humor, presence, honesty, and courage.
I carry Marianne in everything I do. She addressed me once as her kindred spirit. I hope I live up to that honor for the rest of my life.
And of course, Mrs. Kjos's first lesson:
Take the sentence, "A good man is hard to find."
Don't confuse the two adjectives; if you do, you'll get a different idea entirely!
Ed Bortoni
January 31, 2008
I was one of her students at Miami Sunset. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family in this difficult time.
I was saddened to hear of her passing. She had a wonderful influence in my life and for that I'm grateful. I remember her love of penguins as well as her disdain for passive voice!
You will be missed.
Rachel Murphy
January 31, 2008
Mrs. Kjos not only fueled a love and respect for the English language in her students but also took the time to get to know us as individuals. She was a true lady and I will never forget one of her defining lessons: sentiment, not sentimentality, is a key to fine writing. I like to apply this wisdom to my daily life as well. Thank you Mrs. Kjos! Rachel Murphy, Miami Sunset, c/o '96
Gloria Lima-Palma
January 31, 2008
With the departure of my dear colleague, Marianne; I would like to take a lantern in my hand and walk through the town of olde. I would weep as I herald the words, “Ms. Kjos is gone, an angel of our time, and she is home with her Maker”.
To her family, I appreciate that you generously shared her with humanity. Everyone who met her became a tad more human and embraced their inner strength and force.
Michael Cuccaro
January 31, 2008
Mrs. Kjos was a great woman and a great teacher. She went to bat for me at a time that I didn't even realize I needed someone like her in my corner. My sympathies to her family.
Robin Holzknecht
January 31, 2008
What a warm and wonderful person Maryanne was. An inspriation to so many students over the years as well as a friend and mentor to so many people. She will be missed.
Maya Scott
January 31, 2008
I am honored to say that she touched and blessed me with her friendship. I will miss Marianne, as I am sure so will many others.
Robert Grosberg
January 31, 2008
You were my hero, and I will never forget you. Our time together at the Division of Advanced Academics was too short.
Kyria Acle-Parada
January 31, 2008
Marianne was a great friend and teacher. She taught me not only about English grammar and literature; but also about life, fashion, the essence of being a lady, and so much more. I will miss her. I am honored to have been blessed by her friendship. Love, Kyria
Danny Stanisky
January 31, 2008
I cannot tell you how saddened I am to learn of your - actually, OUR loss. Although it had been a while since I had touched base with her, I truly regret not stopping by as I drove by the house, or acting on those impulses telling me to stop by and “check in”. As one her students, I cannot put into words the profound impact she had on me and other students. To this day, she has made one of the most profound impacts on me not only in a scholastic/mentor sense, but also as person. She instilled a confidence in me that I had never had to that point, and will forever be indebted to her. I am very VERY proud to have had her contribute substantially to the person I am today. I will miss you, Mrs. Kjos. Very, very much (please don’t shoot a pain down my spine for any and all of my horrible grammar and usage :o) ).
Judy Weinstein
January 31, 2008
Sincere sympathy to Jennifer and entire family.
Jerold Ellis
January 31, 2008
I feel badly that I cannot attend services for Marianne as worked with her as an English teacher at Miami Sunset. She is a wonderful person and my heartfelt sympathy goes to her family and husband.
nurse janet
January 30, 2008
Dear Jennifer,
I meet alot of people in my job...but there are only a few who touch my soul. I have always believed that we are connected on a different level with some in an unexplainable way that defies words. Your mom was special and she touched my life more in 12 hours than some have after years of knowing them. I hope you are only filled with peace and love now. I honor her bravery. Thinking of you and your dad and aunt and sleepy cousin. Sincerely, Janet...ICU nurse.
Allan Siegert
January 30, 2008
We were very sad to hear the news and our thoughts are with your family.
Roxann Plummer
January 30, 2008
Dear Kjos Family,
You have our deepest sympathy in the passing of Marianne. She was a dear teacher to some of our children. One of our children studied journalism in college and we are sure it had something to do with Marianne and her wonderful guidance. We will miss her kind and gentle ways. May God bless and watch over you through this painful time.
Mike and Roxann Plummer
Harold & Muriel Klein
January 30, 2008
To The Kjos Family,
Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
mark scheinaum
January 30, 2008
Dear Les and family,
During hectic but often glorious years, our lives were brightened by Marianne as a steadfast part of our UPI family. Our prayers and love are with you.
Mark (and Marybeth) Scheinbaum
Angel Fire, NM
Diablo Heights, Panama RP
Lissette Valdes
January 30, 2008
I lovingly called her Mrs. Kjos. We were coworkers and during the interview for which I would be later selected to work with Mrs. Kjos, she intrigued me. I knew she was someone I would want to know. Mrs. Kjos took me under her wing and together we made a fabulous team – completing our tasks with the greatest joy and most amazing conversations. Marianne taught me to embrace the woman and lady within me. She challenged me to face my fears. She also continuously challenged me to better myself, to build lasting friendships, to enhance my relationships with my loved ones. Marianne influenced me with courage to live each day without regrets.
Marianne,
I will wear my rose proudly forever.
Love,
Rohini Narinesingh
January 30, 2008
My deepest sympathy to Marianne's family. She will be remembered fondly. Indeed, she was a true lady!
I shall cherish my last meeting with her.
Kim C
January 30, 2008
I had Mrs. Kjos for 12th grade English at Sunset High. She was such a WONDERFUL teacher. I remember the first day of class and she said that we would love her or hate her. I LOVED her. She was the 1st teacher to teach me how to enjoy writing. The following year I saw her at a University of Miami football game and gave her a huge hug and told her how much I appreciated what she taught me. Thank you Mrs. Kjos
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