Search by Name
Search by Name
Theresa Gill
March 23, 1956 - Dec 14, 2013
Theresa Gill, an award winning Language Arts teacher for Ceres Unified School District, lost her courageous battle against breast cancer and died peacefully at home on December 14th. She was 57 years old.
Ms. Gill loved learning and spent her career instilling that love in others. After graduation from Ceres High School in 1974, Theresa moved to Eugene, Oregon where she attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a degree in English and Education in 1989.
She returned to her hometown of Ceres to work for Ceres Unified, teaching Language Arts at Mae Hensley Junior High for 10 years. During that time, she obtained her National Board certification and was awarded Teacher of the Year for the Ceres Unified School District, Stanislaus County, and the California League of Middle Schools in 2002. She was a member and instructor for the California Writing Project, as well as involved in California Reading Association.
Theresa requested to join the brand new Whitmore Charter School during its planning phases. She was instrumental in creating the first middle school model in the district, developing unique curriculum and instruction methods, and mentoring young teachers. During this time she received her Master's in Curriculum and Instruction from CSU Stanislaus in 2006. She retired from Whitmore in June 2013 to focus on battling her disease. Her former students and colleagues will remember her as a person who championed literacy and learning and whom loved life to the fullest.
Theresa is survived by her daughter Starla Morgan, grandson Richard Lee Morgan, parents Edwin and Joyce Pugh, brother Ed Pugh, partner Eric Gillis and beloved dogs Betty and Suki.
A memorial service for Theresa will be held on December 30th at 1:00 at Salas Brothers, 419 Scenic Dr., Modesto, CA 95350.
The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations be made in her name to either: 1) The CUSD Foundation, P.O. Box 307, Ceres, CA, 95307 or 2) National Public Radio (NPR)/Capitol Public Radio, KUOP, 7055 Folsom Blvd. Sacramento, CA 95826.
www.cvobituaries.com
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Mrs. Gill was a phenomenal teacher. I remember being in her class in 7th grade and being inspired to start writing. She was an amazing person always in a good mood and very upbeat. I sent her an email last year telling her how much she impacted my education and was one of the teachers that inspired me to continue to not only write but to get advanced degrees. She believed in all of her students and was a bright light in my own education; as I am sure she was in many others. My condolences go out to her family and all of the other peoples lives she touched.
Melanie
January 19, 2014
RIP Ms. Gill. You were loved by your students and they will never forget you.
Marilyn Zumstein
January 1, 2014
Mrs. Gill was a wonderful teacher. She was definitely a special lady, full of light. Her teaching made learning a lot of fun. I remember she'd smile every single day. I felt safe in her classroom and free to be me. I'll never forget her. I wish I could have seen her at least once more before she passed away. The last I saw her, she was with my former 7th & 8th grade teacher, Mr. Gillis, at Target in Riverbank, CA. I was so surprised to see them after 4-5 years since the last time I'd seen them. I had no idea she was battling cancer.. May she Rest in Peace. God bless.
Love,
Reannah Jones
January 1, 2014
Mrs. Gill was one of my favorite teachers in 7th grade. I hated English, but she made it where I wanted to learn all about it. She was an amazing teacher and she is and will contiune to be deeply missed. My prayers go out to her family and other past students.
Clarice Homer
December 29, 2013
Starla and Eric, I am so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. She will be missed but her passion and true love of learning lives on in the hundreds of lives she touched; both in and out of the classroom. Please accept my deepest sympathies.
Paula Smith
December 23, 2013
At a time when I was not a fan of going to school or paying attention, I remember her as a great teacher and mentor. Always smiling. I think that speaks volumes to the kind of person she was.
Garrett Duddleston
December 23, 2013
Starla, I am extremely sorry to hear of your mom's passing. She was one if my favorite teachers. She was very caring and passionate about teaching. She will be missed.
Gary McCann
December 23, 2013
Teresa was a special teacher to my granddaughter the first years at Whitmore. Her words of encouragement will always be remembered. She was truly a treasure. My prayers go out to her family.
Esther Jones
December 22, 2013
May God's peace and love be with all who knew and loved her
Randall Osborne
December 22, 2013
Carol Perry
December 22, 2013
Its so sad that I read this message.. I was a student of hers way back when ... she was a great person and an awesome teacher!!! she will never be forgotten. I send love and prayers to her family... I first hand have seen this fight for many people and I too have to take the meds ... she was a strong person so I imagine that that's how the family is... she will be looking out for You from above..
Jenn Bradley
December 22, 2013
So very sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. We will always remember her smile and laugh. May she rest in peace. Our thoughts and prayers are with Eric and Theresa's family.
Amy & Alexi Repoff
December 22, 2013
We will Miss Theresa so very much. We'll never forget her sunny sense of humor and that beautiful smile. She was such a good sport at all our Datsun roadster functions. She is and shall be missed. Love, Jack and Betty Gregory.
December 22, 2013
God Bless your family. May you Rest in peace Old Friend.
Jim Henson
December 21, 2013
Theresa was a person with great integrity and a real passion for her work. Supportive of her colleagues and a great mentor as well as teacher. I had many conversations with her largely about education but some about life in general. These and her will not be forgotten by me. Thank you T. for crossing my path in the here and now.
Paul Pyatt
December 21, 2013
I am so sorry to hear of Theresa's passing. On behalf of my family I want to send our heartfelt condolences. The Pugh family was a big part of my life growing up and I know she will be missed.
Dennis Judd
December 21, 2013
To a wonderful person Theresa. We will all miss you so much.
Diana Spore
December 21, 2013
Theresa, you will be so missed. Thanks for always being an inspiration.
Amanda Crawford
December 21, 2013
First as my teacher, then as a colleague, Theresa was real and bold and courageous. She will be missed by all who knew her
Angelina
December 21, 2013
Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read moreWhat kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read moreWe'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreIf you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read moreLegacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreThey're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read more