Rebecca Proehl

Rebecca Proehl
After a two-year battle with lung cancer that included Covid and multiple pneumonias, Dr Rebecca A. Proehl was reunited on May 4, 2025 with those she loved so dearly, especially her wife Kathleen Rose. Her earthly tasks have been completed, and her new journey has begun.
Rebecca was born to Oscar and Marion Proehl on June 1, 1948, in Lynchburg, VA. Her father was a son of a German immigrant, and her mother was a daughter of a sharecropper. She was raised in the foothills of the Blue Ridge mountains and that is where her love affair with the outdoors began. From her humble beginnings she embarked on a life dedicated to every aspect of education. Rebecca graduated from EC Glass High School in Lynchburg, VA, earned her bachelor's degree from High Point University in NC, and her master's degree from Virginia Commonwealth University in Richmond, VA.
Rebecca left Virginia in 1976 to embark on bigger adventures and headed west to California. That is where she called home until her passing. She obtained her PhD from Wright Institute in Berkley, CA. She was Associate Dean then Dean of JFK University. She became Professor Emeritus at St. Mary's College in the San Fransico Bay area. While there she served as a faculty member, academic chair, program director and acting dean. She taught in the doctorate and educational leadership programs focusing her research on the factors that contributed to Catholic school success in urban areas. While there she received many awards including Professor of the Year, Social Justice Award and the inaugural La Salian Educator Award. One of the endeavors that was most rewarding to her was the Anapra Education Project located outside of Juarez, Mexico. With a group of dedicated educators, they raised approximately $400k to help pay for uniforms, tuition and supplies for students so they could stay enrolled in school. Hundreds, if not thousands, of students benefited from this program.
Rebecca was a much beloved faculty member, colleague, friend, and mentor to many. In the last weeks of her life, she was showered with an outpouring of love from the many lives she touched from all corners of the country. Her positive impact will be felt for many years to come. It is evident by the loving tributes she received, especially the doctoral students she taught. Her zest for life will live on through those she loved.
Rebecca was preceded in death by the love of her life, Kathleen Rose, her parents Oscar and Marion Proehl, the sister she adored Katherine Martin, and treasured friend Kathy McCarthy. She is survived by her favorite niece, Beth Martin and Melissa Cash and husband Roger, great nephew Justin Cash and wife Erin, and her great greats Liam and Leah Cash. She is also survived by her cherished sister-in-law, Maureen Iversen and husband Chris. Rebecca leaves behind many friends and family from coast to coast that she shared so much joy with throughout her lifetime. Her family is indebted to each of you for the profound effect you all had on her life. A special thank you to Graciela Grimstad for the special bond that was created between them in the last few years of Rebecca's life. Gracie was not only a lifeline to Rebecca, but to her family as well.
Her memorial service will take place at 11am on Wednesday, May 7, 2025 at Epworth United Methodist Church, 1953 Hopkins St., Berkeley, CA 94707. In lieu of flowers, Rebecca requested memorial contributions to the Scholarship Fund for the Doctorate in Education Leadership and the Bachelor of Arts in Leadership and Organizational Studies in the names of Rebecca Ann Proehl and Kathleen Mary Rose. Memorials may also be made to Epworth United Methodist Church.