Cecile Ann Paynter Erickson

1929 - 2016

BORN

1929

DIED

2016

About

Dominican College

Cecile Erickson Obituary

Name: Memorial Mass for Cecile Ann Paynter Erickson
Start: 2016-04-02T17:30:00.000Z
Location: St. Mary Star of the Sea

Cecile Ann Paynter Erickson

July 29, 1929 – March 6, 2016

Cecile Ann Erickson turned out her light and left the room Sunday March 6, 2016. Her beauty, grace, style, intelligence, humor, wide interests and true concern for others were well loved. We will miss everything about her. A third generation San Franciscan, Cecile Ann was oldest sister to Noel (Frank) Clark (deceased), Pat (Alan) Watson, and Woody (Carol) Paynter. She attended St. Dominic's and St. Rose Academy in SF, then Dominican College in San Rafael. Cecile and many school mates remained friends to the end, with a shared mission of supporting their alma mater. This Catholic schooling reinforced her inherent empathy for others, contributing to a career choice of lifelong educator. Cecile began teaching in SF in the 1950's, then brilliantly taught middle school in the Jefferson Elementary School District (Daly City) for decades, sharing her enthusiasm for learning with thousands of students and parents at Westlake, Roosevelt and Tobias Schools.

Cecile changed lives. She created the first Gifted and Talented Education program at Tobias and was recognized by the CA Association of GATE Teachers for outstanding achievements. With Dolores De Carli (colleague and dearest friend,) she founded QUEST Unlimited Summer School to offer enrichment programs to fortunate K-6 students (1981-90). Cecile was the kind of teacher who made you know she cared about you.

Cecile met Peter Erickson on a blind date over 40 years ago, which lit a flame still shining today. Common interests in opera, travel, Yosemite and the environment (among many) led to great friendship and marriage in the early 80's. Cecile and Peter lived in the Sausalito hills; they hiked the headlands and beyond, cooked meals together and drank good wine, held great discussions and remain best friends forever. Cherished nieces and nephews, their children and friends (too many to list,) adored Aunt Cecile, who always remembered birthdays and knew what interested you…like a much classier Auntie Mame. Lucky friends Dolores and Julia/Bob Stroud traveled the world with Cecile and Peter, generating even more stories to share.

We all want her to know that she did an excellent job and we trust she will rest in peace. We will remember her smile, her energy, her zest for life, the funny "long story short" stories, her fabulous shoes, clothes and then wigs, her faith and her love. We are: her husband, her sister and brother, her extended family and friends, her husband's daughter and son in law, her former students and colleagues, her doctors who listened and encouraged, the librarians at Sausalito Public Library, her neighbors, her book group and more. Cecile made a difference in the lives of so many. We invite you to join us in celebrating her life.

ARRANGEMENTS: Memorial Mass will be held Saturday, April 2, 10:30 am, at St. Mary Star of the Sea, 180 Harrison Avenue, Sausalito, CA. In lieu of flowers, donations in Cecile's memory can be made to the Sierra Club (www.sierraclub.org) or La Madre de los Pobres (www.lamadre.org).

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

Published by San Francisco Chronicle from Mar. 19 to Mar. 27, 2016.

Memories and Condolences
for Cecile Erickson

10 Entries

January 23, 2017

To The Paynter Ericson Family,
My very belated condolences.
I was a student of Miss Paynter's at Westlake Elementary School in Daly City (Room 11) from 1964-66. My first impression of her was her grace, dignity and impressionable beauty. But shortly on I realized that gaining her respect was paramount. At that point in my young life I had attended no less than five schools between Europe and the US. Until I became her student I am still unable to name one teacher who made as much an impression on me as she. I was never a star student but she was never remiss at giving me the proper attention and support I needed. She has impacted many lives that will last for generations.

Barbara Hightower

August 17, 2016

I was one of her pupils at Westlake Elementary School which I attended 1956-1962. I remember her name and know that she left an impression on me. Rest in Peace dear one.

Andy Nakahata

April 10, 2016

Deepest condolences to Cecille's family. I worked for her at Quest Unlimited. It was a joy and pleasure to know Cecille.

Steven Ziegler

April 5, 2016

Although I am now retired and living in the southern California desert, I still have many Daly City connections and the recent notification I received regarding Cecile Paynter Erickson's passing has left a truly profound effect on me.

I was in Miss Paynter's sixth grade class at Westlake School 1959-1960. This was when she and Miss Bohleen team-taught in the MU room.

I was definitely a lost and somewhat difficult child in my early years. Miss Paynter saw this early in the school year and spent the next 36 weeks shaping me up with firm discipline, parent conferences, as well as the occasional "evil eye."

Because of her firm determination directed towards me, Miss Paynter inspired me to do well in junior and senior high schools as well as college.

I eventually became a middle school math teacher for the Jefferson School District in Daly City and was reunited with Miss Paynter - this time as a teaching colleague. We had many meetings together over the years in the 1970s and 1980s discussing the transition of her sixth graders into the seventh and eighth grade math courses at Fernando Rivera Intermediate School where I was teaching. Miss Paynter and I often laughed recalling my childhood antics many years earlier at Westlake School.

I know this remembrance should focus more on Miss Paynter and less on me; however, her family and loved ones should know her magnificent influence on me 56 years ago made me become a successful teacher. Her passing has left a tremendous void in the world of public education.

My most sincere condolences to Mr. Erickson and family.

Janis Cooper

April 1, 2016

I am 58 years old. Miss Paynter was my fifth grade teacher at Westlake elementary school. She was my favorite teacher. She was beautiful, kind, caring, and encouraging. I remember she was always very stylish. Most importantly she made each of us feel special and important. She was a role model for me, as for many other students.

Dana Levin-Gribble

March 29, 2016

Miss Paynter was my 6th grade teacher at Weatlake School back in the 60's. I will always remember her for her beautiful smile and elegant style. At 59 years of age I forget many of my teacher's names, but Miss Paynter will always be one of those few special teachers that I will never forget. May her memory be a blessing for all those who knew her.

March 29, 2016

In awe of you as a school kid. Honored to be your friend as an adult. One of the most positive and classy people I have ever known. You could light up any room. I am feeling so grateful and will miss you always.

March 21, 2016

My condolences to the family. May the God of all comfort sustain you during this difficult time. (Hosea 13:14)

March 20, 2016

One of the happiest, liveliest members of our Dominican Class of '51 is now in heaven! We will miss her spirit among us but I for one am happy that she no longer suffers sickness.

Sister Marie Sagues, O.P.'51

Janet O'Neill

March 19, 2016

Way back in the 50's Miss Paynter was my 5th grade teacher at Westlake School. I always remembered her as so interesting and lovely.

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