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BORN
1930
DIED
2014
Bernadine Schrank Obituary
Schrank started at the Torrance school when it opened in 1957 and left in 2010 as the longest-serving teacher in the history of the Torrance Unified School District. And even though she broke her hip on the last day of school that year, she wasn't quite done at Anza.
Just months later, Schrank was back working full-time as a volunteer intervention teacher and tutoring students learning English in her home on the weekends.
Memories and Condolences
for Bernadine Schrank
24 Entries
SUSAN CHAMBERS
May 6, 2015
I had Mrs. Schrank for three years as she taught the multi level classes, my children were lucky enough to be in her class as well as my niece. Anza Elementary was lucky to have her and the children were equally lucky to have had the opportunity to learn from her. Her dedication will be missed and my sympathies to her family.
March 30, 2015
She was such an outstanding kindergarten teacher for my daughter. She really made a difference in both of our lives.
nadean gracia-Uigaese
March 16, 2015
Mrs shrank was one of the few teachers I remember. She was awesome. May God bless her and her family
Jill Wright
December 29, 2014
Oh Dirk I am sorry about your Mom
My condolences to you and your family
Jill (Findeis)Wright
Paul Wright
Bob Bryan
December 29, 2014
I was very fortunate to have Mrs. Schrank as a teacher at Anza in the 60s. God bless her and all she did for generations of students. I wish there were more teachers like her.
George Floratos
December 13, 2014
I taught with Deen from 1962 till 1971 at Anza. She was a hero of mine. I watched her in my formative years as a teacher because she was a master at classroom management always with a soft, gentle manner. I marveled at how she went about her duties with precision and skill. She played a "mean" guitar too.
Thank you for sharing your skills which served me well for 40 years. We miss you....gude and george
Susan Keith
December 10, 2014
I also had Mrs. Schrank in third grade she was my favorite and she made me really enjoy school. My prays go out to her family.
Reuven (Robert) Gralnik
December 10, 2014
Mrs Schrank was always a bright, happy and positive face as my third grade teacher in the early 1970's. Atleast five of us Gralniks were blessed to have a teacher who taught with love and discipline. I can still hear her saying, "People, please notice the homework" which was always written on the chalk board. I remember never wanting to miss the assignment. And of course, sometimes even standing on my bike seat next to the window to try and see the assignment I may have missed. Last saw her a few years ago outside Anza's kindergarten and introduced her to my son. The world is much better from having had a beautiful teacher like her. G-d bless her family and may her memory be a blessing.
Diane Lincir
December 9, 2014
Mrs.Schrank was my third grade teacher at Anza Elementary that was 1958. I always remember this special person as my favorite teacher. I too remember her black trench coat. I always thought she was so tall and beautiful her smile always made me feel so warm.We were so very lucky to have such a quality passionate teacher and wonderful lady she was. She will be missed by many. My prayers go out to her family. God Bless you Mrs.Schrank.
December 8, 2014
HI Schrank Family!! This is Susie Gralnik Nassy. We go back really far. Your mother was not just an educator to 5 of us 6 siblings but she was a friend to our family has as well. She taught from the heart and cared about each of her students as we were all her children. All her students were special and smart. May her wonderful deeds be a memory that will last forever. I remember her coming to my parents 50th wedding anniversary and she glowed with the warm and welcoming smile that I had remembered as a child in her classroom!! Mrs Schrank, you will be terribly missed!!
Mark Wells
December 7, 2014
My mother, Nancy Maxfield, met what would be her life long friend, who she called 'Dennie' whey they were just four years old. Throughout the years our families met for occasions. 'Deenie' kept sending my mother things throughout my mom's long battle with Alzheimer's and Deenie visited my mother one last time where my mom's emotional memories came back enough to remember her great friend, Deenie. I am so sorry for the loss and I will never forget the friendship Deenie and my mother had the great fortune to keep.
Alisa Wang
December 7, 2014
I wasn't in your class, but I still remember your smile during recess and your kindness when I found a quarter and turned it into you (you said, Finders keepers, losers weepers!). Thank you for your time, love, energy, and dedication to the Anza community. Rest in peace.
Patrick Tierney
December 6, 2014
I only had the pleasure to meet "Deen" one time which was on the occasion of my first assignment as a substitute teacher in the Torrance School District. She was so kind and supportive, assuring me that I'd do just fine. When I informed her that I was friends with her son Paul for decades she was even happier to have me as a sub! I'd like to extend my condolences to her family and her extended family at Anza School.
Emely Vazquez
December 6, 2014
We love you so much Mrs. Schrank. You've left such a huge void in our lives. Words cannot express how grateful we are to have had you as our sons' 1st and best teacher. I will miss your warm hugs, sweet smile and the most encouraging words of wisdom EVER. God broke the mold when he made you and we were all blessed to have known you. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family.
Julie Holthouser
December 6, 2014
I remember Mrs. Schrank. I graduated 1970 from Anza.What I remember most about her was her Impeccable taste in clothing.Very Chic. She had a White Blouse with a Bright RED Blazer with gold buttons.A Black and White Hounds Tooth Pencil Skirt and Black Heels. Her Short Black Hair and Bright Red Long Nails. Which she used to rack along her long Neck slowly,as she Read to us all, sitting on the class room rug. I was always Mesmerized by her sence of Fashion. She told a good Story while reading too. God Bless her and her Family at this time. The future has Lost a GREAT TEACHER. But the Heavens now have a Wonderful Angel.
Elena Schrank
December 6, 2014
“If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane, I'd walk
right up to heaven and bring you
home again.”
My daughter Donna Lynne and me 5/2014
Donna Babb
December 6, 2014
Truly a legend. Touched each of my three daughter's lives during her teaching years at Anza. May your spirit fly gentle lady.
Kelly Rodono
December 6, 2014
Mrs. Schrank was a wonderful, kind teacher when I worked with her at Anza Elementary School in 1994. She always was sweet and kind hearted to everyone.
December 6, 2014
My mom was my best friend, my advocate, I thank God for the time we had. I married Elena for the qualities Deenie taught me to cherish and respect..her light guides our son Elias..and will continue to be my inspiration.
Jana nichols
December 6, 2014
She insisted my granddaughter learn to read well, she'd bring reading learners to her, she never raised her voice to any child. What a true blessing she was to so many
Tony Bucci
December 6, 2014
To let you know that thoughts
of deepest sympathy are with you.
John Tabakian
December 6, 2014
Mrs. Schrank is the best example of a great teacher.
John Tabakian
December 6, 2014
Mrs. Schrank was my third grade teacher at Anza Elementary School in 1984. I remember her famous trench coat she wore whenever it rained. She used to tell students that her coat gave her a very special power. When pressed what that power was, she would say, "To keep warm silly." Mrs. Schrank had the ability to make any child feel good and enjoy school. I remember kindergarten with Mrs. Ross and forming my clay handprint. Mrs. Schrank actually helped deliver the fired clay handprints to my kindergarten class. I still have my clay handprint! Over the years, I spoke with Mrs. Schrank from time to time and was always fascinated with her never-ending belief that her role was to continue teaching. When the Great Recession hit, Mrs. Schrank retired and returned to work as a volunteer intervention teacher so that one or two teachers would not be laid off. God bless you Mrs. Schrank. Thank you for everything.
Denise Dunkel
December 5, 2014
We were fortunate to have Mrs Schrank as a Kdgn teacher in 2006 & I fortunate to see her incredible teaching skills firsthand. Yes, she was as amazing as the stories about her. More importantly, Mrs Schrank was an amazing and very interesting person. Her gentle and bright personality were her calling card. Her Mother Goose costume is my favorite image of her. We will miss Mrs Schrank and we will never forget her.
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