Eleanor Bralver Obituary

Bralver, Eleanor
October 12, 1913 - November 1, 2012
Beloved Educator Eleanor Bralver was the oldest full-time school teacher in the U.S. when she retired in 2006 at age 92. She taught 13,000 students over her 35 years as a health teacher at Sylmar High, helping them deal with serious teenage issues such as drugs, pregnancy, domestic abuse, suicide and gangs. Her list of awards and accolades is astonishing. She passed away peacefully in her sleep at age 99. She made a difference in so many lives and will be greatly missed.

Published by Los Angeles Times on Nov. 18, 2012.
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She was a fun teacher and she cared for her students.

Crystal Robinson (Williams)

School

November 17, 2023

Nice memory started. I will all ways cherish my time and visits aftter

Alice M Garcia

Student

June 25, 2020

I MISS YOU SO MUCH MRS BRALEVR

MARCIA PERRY

Student

June 20, 2020

Ms Bralver and I stayed in contact even after HS. I came back a few times and spoke to her other classes in the 1990s until I moved to AZ.
I had her for 4 out of 6 semesters while at SHS from Sept. 85 to June 88. TA twice, Coping Class, and Health.
I spoke with her in Sept 2012 while she was at the nursing home. She was clear minded and we talked for about an hour. Made plans to see each other when I was going to be in LA for X-Mas that year. Sadly it was about 6 weeks too late.

William Jay Nelson

Student

May 26, 2020

William Jay Nelson

Student

May 26, 2020

My favorite and most trusted teacher I ever had. Such a great lady and I'm so glad I had her as a teacher. She was there when I needed someone the most. You will always be remembered with great love and respect. Class of 1974

Kathy (Gable) Nuttall

Student

May 26, 2020

Best teacher ever!! Class of 1988

Jackie Johannes

Student

May 25, 2020

Where can I start? Mrs. Bralver did not only give the tightest hugs I've ever received but she also left an impact on me, passion? Passion for doing what you love doing. I see myself now as nurse and hoping to touch every patient in the most positive way just as she did to her students. She was a role model, passionate educator, and most importantly my confidant. Will forever remember every smile, every hug, every word and everything she meant to me. Sending you a billion hugs and kisses Mrs. Bralver!

Ivan MARTINEZ

November 12, 2019

There are so many of you now enjoy what ever you may be doing now that you're not here. L♥ve ALL of you. Cheers to you. Happyness ♥ ☺

Cec Hill

March 20, 2018

MRS BRAVLER WAS THE BEST HEALTH TEACHER IN THE WHOLE WORLD AND I LOVED HER SO MUCH

Marcia Perry

March 15, 2018

Miss you! You were always there for me. Sandy Curried Class of 76.

Sandy Currie

November 12, 2017

She was the best teacher around. I was even able to stay overnight at her home.After I graduated. She will be missed by many.

Sandy Currie

September 26, 2017

May your soul rest in peace I will always remember your teachings, always so helpful. Learning made fun and easy. Health class was something else with Ms. Bralver, always so proudly speaking of her son. You passed on my birthday, all saints day! I will always remember you.

Lorena Reynoso

October 12, 2015

May your soul rest in peace I will always remember your teachings, always so helpful. Learning made fun and easy. Health class was something else with Ms. Bralver, always so proudly speaking of her son.

Lorena Reynoso

October 12, 2015

I still fondly recall Ms. Bralver, and talk about her to my grandchildren. She was my health teacher in 1976. RIP.

Brett Gilman

September 18, 2015

What an amazing person and mentor! I had her for health class in 1994 or 95. She was a bright light for me. She actually got me my very first job! I will always be thankful to her for her kindness and no non-sence approach to life. God bless her.

Christina Barreraz

June 13, 2015

Clifford Cunningham , this was a woman who lived up to her devotion with her students. I'm glad we talked at our reunion . Thanks Mrs.bracket.

June 7, 2015

A true teacher in every way, who changed countless live for the better. Bill Anthony class of '74.

Bill Anthony

June 7, 2015

We need more teachers like Mrs Bralver. I had her for health class of 76. I remember her slamming her ruler on her desk due to excessive noise in her domain. After that the class was Very quiet. She was a special lady.

June 7, 2015

Mrs bralver I miss you so much I wish that you were back

Marcia Perry

June 5, 2015

I had the privalige of having her as my health teacher. She was above awesome, out of my six children, one was able to take her class. Thank you for everything you taught and shared through the years.

Christine Roth

November 29, 2014

Mrs. Barlver was a very well liked teacher I adore her so much right when she left this earth and up to heaven I was so happy to see her before she left this world she never aged at all she still looked just like she did back in high school I still have that look in my mind Mrs Barlver was the only teacher that witnessed me getting bullied in school I LOVE YOU AND I MISS YOU SO MUCH MRS BARLVER YOUR THE BEST TEACHER THAT I EVER HAD

Marcia webster

October 18, 2014

1982 Health Class - Mrs. Bralver was not only the best teacher I ever had, she was the coolest. She taught more than Health, she taught love. I ditched almost every class but hers. I truly enjoyed her class and looked forward to attending it. I will never forget her. R.I.P.

Carl Ochoa

October 10, 2014

it was 10th grade health class 1986 ,that I witnessed two sad moments in my life. The Space shuttle blew up after liftoff,and my teacher shedding a tear down her cheek. don't know which one was Sadder the shuttle falling to earthor the tear falling from her eye.REST in Peace Mrs.Bralver and thank you!

Leonard Estrada

September 24, 2014

She was a great Teacher, she had all of the Docken's in her class, R.I.P. and God Bless all of her family.....

September 7, 2014

Rest in peace. Mrs. Bravler was an amazing teacher!!! Everyone I knew that knew her had nothing but great things to say. We need more teachers like her!

Maria Favela

September 5, 2014

Loved going to your class. You made everything fun.

Stacey Brashear

Stacey Brashear

September 4, 2014

YOUR THE BEST TEACHERTHAT I HAD IN HIGH SCHOOL I LOVED YOULIKE A GRANDMOTHER AND A TRUE FRIEND I WILL ALWAYS HAVE YOU FOREVER IN MY HEART REST IN PEACE AND MAY GOD BE WITH YOU ALWAYS I LOVE YOU

Marcia Perry

September 4, 2014

Best teacher i had in years... She always made you really study and made sure you got the subject class of 2002

Ana Mora

September 4, 2014

HELLO MY DEAR FRIEND THANK YOU FOR BEING THERE FOR ME AND FOR BEING MY BEAUTIFUL TEACHER

Marcia Perry

September 3, 2014

I came across this obituary by accident. Mrs Bralver was my very favorite teacher in 10th grade in 1974 and I have never forgotten her. I saved all the papers I wrote in her class! She was an amazing woman and clearly loved to teach. She taught me to think for myself.

Sharene Scott Josephs

August 19, 2013

No words can begin to articulate what an iconic and gifted woman Ms. Bralver was. The epitome of human kindness and compassion, this teacher reached out to years of students with the love and gentleness that every parent, teacher and mentor should aspire to. Her frank, rational, and heartfelt teaching reached teens that were often confused, jaded, scared, or some combination of the three in a way that made a huge difference.

There are no words. Eleanor Bralver was a gift to the youth she taught and mentored. I have never met a teacher her equal, before or since.

Kate, Class of 1989

April 11, 2013

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March 27, 2013

Mrs. Bralver was an Awesomely Amazing Inspirational Teacher, and Mentor. Her ability to teach everyone was “OUTSTANDING” and I will never forget her wisdom. May you rest in Peace Mrs. Bralver; I know you will be watching over us all. You will be truly missed.

Sandi “DeGase” Torres
Class of “78”.

March 18, 2013

I wish I could tell you in person one more time, THANK YOU! Thank you for reading into me when I most needed help. Thank you for being there when I felt so alone. Thank you for the scholarship that helped me through my undergrad and nursing school. Thank you for teaching for all those years and having an influence in so many of us through each generation!!

Ivan Martinez

March 17, 2013

Mrs. Bralver...such an icon, what a wonderful woman. I am so sad I missed her memorial as I just read it was today. Reading all the beautiful things written about her, so evident she's smiling down from heaven at all of us. i don't see these memorials written in her honor stopping any time real soon. She impacted so many of us by her wisdom, her caring and especially her love. This bible verse reminded me of her - A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)
Mrs. Braver was all about that...refreshing others. God blessed us all with her life, we were lucky. She'll never be forgotten. NoKaOi -Class of 77

Lily Gil Wilson

March 16, 2013

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March 16, 2013

Wonderful memorial service, Thanks for all hard work!

March 16, 2013

Eleanor You will be missed.
Happy to be part of your memorial service. God Bless. RIP until we meet again.
Jonathan Hayes

Jonathan Hayes

March 15, 2013

I Will always remember her song"Good morning to you good morning to you we're all in our places with great happy faces we're glad to see you we're glad to see you"How many of you remember this??

RAFAEL GALVEZ

March 14, 2013

Mrs.BRALVER was one of the best teachers I had in my school years.I had her for 2nd per.in my senior year class of 86.I remember when the challenger tragedy happened we were all glued to her TV and we were all crying. RIP.

RAFAEL GALVEZ

March 14, 2013

I can't begin to express what an honor it was to be a student of Ms.Eleanor Bralver (Class of 1997). She definitely immortalized the definition of what all teachers should be... REAL, tough ,honest , loving, and passionate. Ms. Bralver was even more than that, a firecracker in tiny packaging . In her class we learned about life, sex, and all the crap that parents don't know how to say or refuse to talk about. She made learning fun. When the AIDS QUILT visited SHS, she convinced me to open up and honor the memory of my cousin. After I read my speech , she was there to give me a high five and a hug even, after she had been out sick for weeks.It was a healing moment for me and my family. She still continues to be a great influence in helping me to become the educator, second mother and friend to my students. "You will always be the great storyteller of life." RIP MS.BRALVER

Celia Ramirez

March 13, 2013

Such a wonderful woman. She went to our 30th reunion and knew everyone by name!
She also went to our "Ditcher's Reunion" last summer and still looked fabulous! She is missed but not forgotten. We loved our Mrs. Bravler!!!

Maryann "Aguilar" Fuentes

March 13, 2013

I remember you from high school and I am so glad I got to see you last year at the ditchers reunion.. Singing Happy Birthday with so many of your students .. RIP Mrs Balver you will be missed

Karen Collins- Vitale

March 13, 2013

I didn't get to know you personally however I got to see you on campus several times while attending school there at SH, I also got to hear many good stories about you and your teaching career through Mrs. Hunt and Mr. Moss my ESL teachers.
Hearing about your life then and now reminds me about Blessed Mother Teresa who dedicated her whole life to the Lord and cared for the poor.
Thank you for a wonderful life of teaching and may the good Lord keep you safe in Heaven where I know you'll be praying for us all.

Juan Torres

March 12, 2013

may you R.I.P. Ms. Bralver, you will be very missed. You left us with great memories and taught me so much. your memory lives on and will forever be in my heart. love you Ms. B, the world lost a great person, teacher, mentor, and friend the day we lost you. thank you for all the kindness, the help you showed me and the friendship you gave me. xoxo brittney

Brittney Herrera

March 4, 2013

Your legacy continues and will always!!!

Maricela Echeverri

February 26, 2013

Ms. Bralver,
What a great loss. You have done so much for me in my high school days and now as an adult. I still remember the lessons you taught me, not only in health class, but the life leassons. You will always be a big part of my life and I will always make you proud.
Maricela Echeverri

Maricela Echeverry

February 26, 2013

I have never forgotten Mrs. Bralver. She was such an honest and genuine person. Thank you for all the love and care you gave to all your students.

Tracey Goddard

February 26, 2013

From 1974 to 1977 you touched my life and I have never been the same since. You opened my eyes to a new way of looking at life and I am eternally grateful.

Vickie Houston Stait

February 9, 2013

such an awesome teacher!!! i remember being in her health class, she never talked to us as students but as young adults. her wisdom will be with me forever. truly lucky to have had her teach me!! the angels are singing her praises and i know my Bob will be waiting with open arms! RIP MRS. BRALVER!!

DEBI COWAN

January 24, 2013

Please accept my deepest sympathies.

Ed Boca

January 22, 2013

You will be missed, one of the most wonderful women, teacher, and friend a student could ask for. She lived a full life and inspired quite a many.

Samantha pama

January 21, 2013

I will never forget you as long as I live. The Best teacher ever!! R.I.P.
~ Timothy Murphy ~ Class 1975 ~

Timothy Murphy

January 16, 2013

If you were ever sooo Blessed to have her as a teacher your life was and would never be the same she kept me on the straight and narrow a true teacher and friend truly one in a million.

Liz Sanchez Critchfield

January 11, 2013

What a grand lady. She was not only a great teacher but also a great friend. She helped my mother in 1971 after the earthquake by being such a great friend and therapist. What a lovely person...she definitely set a very high bar for those that might follow in her footsteps

January 9, 2013

I had the pleasure of working as a math teacher with Eleanor at Sylmar HS. God bless you Eleanor and the many students and adults whose lives you touched. She was the first to bring in AIDS patients to speak to her health classes. It was very powerful.

Jeff Smith

January 6, 2013

My very favorite teacher,you changed my life for the better with your caring ways back in the 70's..you were loved dear one. I feel so very blessed to have known you.

Lorna Mahan (Story)

January 5, 2013

Never has a teacher been so loved and respected. What a legacy you leave Mrs. Bralver, you will be missed by many for a long, long time.

Tammy Heffinger

January 3, 2013

Ms. Bralver, I have so many stories... My memories are many, The morning my parents passed away you were the first one at the door greeting my siblings and I to love on us. You always shared stories of your love and conversations with my mother. and you allowed me to come speak to your class as I was a young mother and shared what good can come out of a bad situations. you were strong when I was weak and you encouraged me when I needed it. throughout the years I spent time with you when you lived with Ms Wieser I spent time talking and having tea. Id see you at the market and you would come join me for some tea and talk and catch up and you asked me to come speak to your class and encourage them. When the going gets tough the tough get going. she is and will always be special to me and my family.
I love you Ms B. May you rest well and rejoice with the angels.Your a special jewel in my treasure box of memories. I will treasure you until we meet again....I love your smile
Alice Bittner Garcia

Alice Garcia

January 3, 2013

Eleanor Bralver has touched many hearts, she will Always be Missed, may you rest in the Arms of Angels, hugs to you in Heaven.

Alisa Fernandez

January 2, 2013

Always in the soul of one former teacher to another,angel on high may your wings of grace be granted by our Father's mercy!!!

Shaeleen Graham

December 31, 2012

I never had Mrs. Bralver for a teacher, but I did share a conversation or two with her. She was a wonderful woman who was honest and forthright. Rest in peace, Eleanor, you touched many hearts.

Megan Roy

December 30, 2012

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

December 29, 2012

You are a beautiful person with a beautiful smile,I was glad to had have you for a teacher, you were great and will always be Missed and Forever in our Hearts oxox to you in Heaven.

Alisa Fernandez

December 29, 2012

Alisa Fernandez

December 29, 2012

You were always there for me, and thanks for allowing me to speak of the subject of teen pregnancy. May you rest in peace....You were the best, Love You Grandma, class of 1979 <3<3<3

Alice Bennett

December 28, 2012

Definitely a one of a kind teacher and person. I think she in one way or another influnced every student to walk the halls of sylmar high.

Ben Curtis

December 27, 2012

Mrs. Bralver, I will forever be grateful for your guidance and support. It is because of you I became a teacher. Thank you for bring such an inspiration in my life. You will always have a special place in my heart <3

Gena Mena

December 11, 2012

So, so sad. Mrs. Bralver was one person I thought would live forever. She was timeless. I graduated from Sylmar '79 and have never forgotten some of the things she did for me - and it's no exaggageration when I say she saved my life. Amazingly, I went back in 1996 and she knew exactly who I was. Remarkable. Those of us wh knew her were blessed in a way that few people ever are.

Peter Klicker

December 11, 2012

Cecile (Cec) Hill

December 6, 2012

You were my inspiration as I grew older in my teaching. I kept a photo of you on my board in my science class - and shared with my students the pleasures of growing older. I only wish I could have met you.

Sandi Williams

December 5, 2012

One of the best teachers I ever had! I remember she used to like to say, "Suicide is a permanent solution to a temporary problem." She taught me to simply say, "Thank you" when receiving a compliment rather than to deny it. Always had a positive outlook on life and it rubbed off on all of her students. I doubt there was a single student that knew her that didn't love her. I remember when I first had her class, she remembered having my brother as well and he's 7 years older than I am. Great memory! She'd occasionally came into the store I used to work at and still remembered me by name. She was one in a million and will be deeply missed. I look forward to the day when I finally see her again and she can share some more of her stories with me once more. God bless you Mrs. Bralver. Thanks for helping to mold me into the man I am today.

Rick Bjorkman

December 4, 2012

She had a great time at the Sylmars Ditchers Reunion Aug 4 2012...the line was long to get to talk and remember good times with her...Here is a Pic of her then and we had celebrated her 99th birthday with song and cake...she kept saying Debi my birthday's not until October LOL..I told her we know but we wanna celebrate now and she was so excited it just made her night!! Love you Eleanor...and we will see you again!! xxxoo amazing how she didn't look much older when I graduated in 1978 to when this recent pic was in Aug 2012...((hugs))

Debi Snyder

December 3, 2012

A beautiful person with so much love and dedication for what she taught and for her students. I had her for health in '95. I wrote her a letter as most students did, expressing my gratitude. She will be missed.

Melody Hidalgo/ Prendiz

December 3, 2012

Bless your soul. Thank you for all you did.

sandra mariscal

December 2, 2012

Great memories in health class. Thank you for caring about us, we all knew how much you truly did. God speed, Mrs Bralver. Heaven has a wonderful addition.

November 30, 2012

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

November 30, 2012

I was so happy to talk to you at the last reunion, you were an amazing teacher, you made your class fun! You shared a little of your personal life with me, I feel blessed to have known you!! Class of 73

Teresa Kahler

November 27, 2012

Oh, Mrs. Bralver... What a treasure you were. There are favorite teachers, then there is Mrs. Bralver. Inspirer, leader, friend to the friendless, instilling value to those who felt they had no value. Space doesn't allow recounting the hours spent with, learning from and serving with her. To any of her family who may read this: thank you. Thank you for sharing her with us. Although I was her student over 35 years ago, I am a better person for having had her in my life.

Rene (Brown) Bogue

November 27, 2012

Mrs. Bralver was a very dedicated teacher and was always very nice to her students. I did not have her officially but she was always in Ms. Emery's class helping out and being supportive to the students. Even though she was retired she would still be there everyday helping us. She was more consistent then me. Im sad that she passed but im glad to hear that she lived a full life and I wish her my blessings. Thank-you Mrs. Bralver.

Steven Mendoza

November 27, 2012

I got to know Eleanor while painting a mural honoring her accomplishments here at Sylmar High School. We became good friends. I always looked forward to her positive outlook and sunny disposition. She always counseled me to look on the bright side of things. I will miss you Eleanor. I'm glad I had a chance to spend time with you. Wherever you are I'm certain you bring great good cheer and love.

Olivia Hernandez

November 27, 2012

I had Ms. Bralver for 4 of 6 semesters (Health, Coping, & 2 TAs) at SHS from 85-88. Ms. Bralver was more then a great teacher she was a fantastic person and mentor. She attended my wedding in 1998 and the baptism of my 1st son in 99. We stayed in contact ever since I left SHS and moved across the country to D.C. area. I spoke to her classes in the 90s about Rave night clubs and the drugs going on inside them. She even saved my live literally. I had hurt my hand in a fight and she noticed I got blood poisoning and called my parents who rushed me to the Hospital. The Doc said that if I let it go for 24 hrs more I would have lost my left arm and 48 hrs my life. Words can not convey nor tell the love I have for this woman and all the benefits she had given over the years. I am a much better man because of this woman.

William Nelson

November 27, 2012

What a long a wonderful life you led. You influenced so many through the years. I was happily surprised when you showed up at our class reunion. '71/'72 back in 2003. Everybody was so happy to see you there. How many teachers can that be said about? R.I.P. May there be other teachers that touch their students like you did. My condolences to your family and friends. 99 Wow!!!!

Debbie Machir nee Zoppina

November 26, 2012

Ms. Bralver, you will always be remembered. I wss very saddened to hear the news of your passing. You were my favorite teacher, taught me sooo much. Those teachings have helped me get through my adult life healthy. Thank you... As a teacher, I can only hope to be as influential to my students as you were to ALL OF US whose life you touched....
Love,
Candice Morgan

Candice Morgn

November 26, 2012

You will live forever in our hearts. You took on the task of having a conversation with kids that most parents just weren't able to and you did it well. As the Mother Teresa of Sylmar High you will be missed, dearly. Perhaps even memorialized with a plaque or a statue. Having left an impression in so many lives, on a majority of each graduating class I am certain that the story of your greatness will be told for generations. God bless your soul.

Raul Duarte

November 26, 2012

You have been my most favorite and nicest teacher in my High School yr. I have always thought of you throughout my 56 yrs of life. Living 99 yrs, Wowie!!! God sure Blessed you while you gave so much to others. In the bible it says Those who honor they Mother and Father will live a long on earth. So you of course went all out. RIP Eleanor Bralver!!! God Bless Your soul!!! I will see you again in Heaven for sure!!! :)<3

Debbie Baxter (Fantasia)

November 25, 2012

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