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Naida May Carlstrom Groff

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San Diego State University University of Iowa Crawford High School Mira Mesa High School

Naida Groff Obituary

Name: Celebration of Life for Naida May Carlstrom Groff
Location: Paradise Point Resort,

Groff, Naida May Carlstrom SAN DIEGO -- Naida May Carlstrom-Groff, 74, of San Diego, died May 14. Naida was born in Rockford, Illinois and attended East High School in Rockford. She attended University of Iowa and later transferred to San Diego State University to complete her Bachelor of Science in Biology and Chemistry. She also earned a Master's Degree in Teaching from San Diego State University. Naida began teaching at Crawford High School and later taught at Mira Mesa High School. While at Mira Mesa High School she was an instrumental contributor to the development of the Physiology Department for San Diego City Schools. During her teaching career she taught Biology, Chemistry, Physiology, Psychology, and Mathematics. Naida also served as a mentor teacher, helping to guide and develop the skills of many aspiring educators. Students and colleagues remember Naida's nurturing and supportive personality as well as her dedication to the academic and personal success of all who entered her classroom. Naida had many interests including beach adventures, travel, fishing, nutrition, but most of all was her family and friends. Naida's presence was a blessing to any event or gathering. She was the light to which all her extended family was drawn for celebrations and gatherings. Her personality and the way she conducted her life served as a compass for all of us. Naida's teaching extended far beyond the classroom. By example, she demonstrated how to be an amazing Mom, Stepmom, Nana, Wife, Teacher, and Friend. Naida was Love. It is her Love, that over the years was the support and encouragement that helped so many achieve their goals and dreams. Naida is survived by her husband, John Groff of Poway; son, Brian Groff of San Diego; stepson, John Groff Jr. of San Diego; stepdaughters Cathy Haines of El Cajon and Tenaya Becker of Vista, and grandchildren Allison Haines, Stacey Sills, Hazel Groff and Henry Groff. A celebration of life will be held on Saturday July 18th at Paradise Point Resort, San Diego. In lieu of flowers, please send memories and stories of Naida to [email protected]

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by San Diego Union-Tribune on Jun. 28, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Naida Groff

25 Entries

James Lauerman

October 17, 2023

Mrs. Groff taught me Physiology at MMHS. She instilled in me a love for the sciences. I deviated a little bit after my graduation in 1987, but in 2003 I became a licensed physician assistant. This day I remember all the things she taught me. I'm really sad to hear that she passed away. She still occupies a space in my heart and has since high school. Thank you for inspiring me! My condolences to her family and loved ones.

Larry Steinbrecher

June 24, 2019

A truly caring, nurturing and wonderful woman. I was fortunate to teach along side her for a dozen or so
years. Never heard or knew of anyone who didn't have the greatest respect for her as a person and
a teacher. God's gift to us all. RIP Naida! We all miss you!

May 14, 2018

Love love love you Mom,
You are 100% the best.

December 14, 2016

Happy birthday Mom :-)
Love love love you and miss you every day.

May 14, 2016

A year ago today, our lives changed forever. So many wonderful memories of my BFF will always be close in my heart. Love & miss you everyday, Naida.

May 2, 2016

Missing my BFF everyday!

February 9, 2016

Miss you every day Mom.
You are the most amazing person I have ever met. Love Love Love you :-)

Tracy Spradlin

November 9, 2015

Mrs Groff was a very influential person in my life both as my teacher and a role model. She set me on the right path and I'm forever grateful! Thanks for everything you did for me. You were a true blessing! May your family find peace in the memories you all share. You will be missed. Tracy Spradlin
MMHS CLASS OF 83

November 8, 2015

May God comfort you the family during this time.

Steve Maddex

November 8, 2015

You will be sincerely missed.

Lorri Johnson

November 8, 2015

You we're a beautiful lady and excellent teacher. You will be missed. R I P. MMHS, CLASS of '81.

Alicia Dean

October 17, 2015

I had the pleasure of having her as my teacher for Biology and physiology at MMHS. I also was her TA. She was an amazing teacher and I'll never forget her love of the band The Who. When I moved away in my junior year, she continued to write me letters and helped me get through my senior of chemistry. She was a gem. This makes me so sad to hear of her passing.

July 25, 2015

I was fortunate enough to have Ms. Carlstrom back when she taught me at Crawford High School. She gave me an excellent foundation in Biology, enough to help me through college and even some knowledge left over to aid students that I taught. I am eternally grateful for the educational gift she gave me! She will be fondly remembered and missed and I extend my heart-felt sympathy to her family. Dr. Resa Rosenstein

Naida Carlstrom 1970 photo from Will C. Crawford yearbook the Centaur.

Victor Perez

July 14, 2015

Barb & Gary Weissenberger

July 13, 2015

22 years ago, when Amy first introduced us to you Brian, we thought what a special boy this is so thoughtful, kind, always there to help out, always optimistic then we met your Mom and just knew how and where it came about she taught you well!

And now, you and Amy teach Henry the same kindness and caring that you were taught he is very much like you and like your Mom a wonderful legacy to pass on.

All of us who very lucky to cross paths with your Mom know what a mark she left on anyone she met - always showing by example how to be a gentler soul. We will miss her contagious smile which was as wide and big as her heart. Prayers to all the Groff family but especially you Brian we love you like our own.
Love Mom and Dad W

Jolene Toler

July 6, 2015

Mrs. Groff was my physiology teacher senior year at MMHS. Some of my best high school memories happened in her class. She was an inspiring teacher who cared about her students. She will be fondly remembered.

Mary Jensen

July 2, 2015

Naida was a good friend and mentor. I was so fortunate to work with such a talented, friendly, caring, and special lady. She was truly one of a kind. Thank you Naida for all the support and good times......you will be greatly missed!

Donna De Young

June 30, 2015

Naida was a very special person, always smiling, always happy. I'm so very sorry to learn of her passing and I'd like to extend my deepest condolences to her extended family.

June 29, 2015

I was so lucky to have Naida Groff as my biology teacher when I attended Crawford High. She was such a great teacher, to this day , my favorite. I also remember throwing her a baby shower at my parents home. I crocheted a baby blanket for her new baby. After I graduated, I sadly lost touch with her. She was always more than a teacher. She cared about everyone as if they were her friends. She truly was special.

Victor Perez

June 28, 2015

I knew Naida (Miss Carlstrom) when I was lucky enough to have had a Biology class from her in my senior year at Crawford High. I can see her still in my minds eye pulling up to the school in her little dark green MG convertible. Always friendly and always with a big smile. What a gifted educator!

Larry Steinbrecher

June 28, 2015

So saddened to learn of her passing.. I had the honor of sharing
Naida and her nurturing friendship with other staff members and
students at MMHS. She was truly a treasure and a gift to all of
us. She had a delicious sense of humor and worked her magic
with everyone.
I wish her family and friends the very best as they cope with her loss.

JoAnn Schmidt

June 28, 2015

I feel so blessed to have been a part of Naida's life and to share the special bond of "Best Friends Forever". To be at Naida's side during the last days of her life brought peace and comfort to both of us. My sincere condolences to the Groff Family. May Naida's love for life and devotion to family be forever present in your lives.

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