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On December 2, 2008, the Spence community—former heads of school, members
of the Board of Trustees, current and former faculty members, students,
parents, alumnae, as well as family and friends—gathered in the Lower
School Gym to honor the memory of Marilyn Lunnetta, beloved teacher,
colleague and friend. The Fourth Grade Chorus’ rendition of the
spiritual Shine on Me was a most uplifting start to the poignant
ceremony. Welcoming the 250-plus guests, Head of School Bodie
Brizendine shared, “So today we come together in mourning and in
celebration as a community and as we recognize the universal in the
particular. I am most thankful for those giving tributes, for those
sharing memories to ease our grief and to remember Marilyn.”
Each
tribute eloquently wove a tapestry of moments and memories of a life
devoted to teaching, of seeing the potential within each student, and
of a colleague whose influence will be cherished well beyond her
quarter century at Spence. President of the Board of Trustees Peter
Keegan fondly recalled Marilyn’s grace under fire during a Grade 5
basketball game, where she gave 46 players equal time on the court
during a 24-minute game. “On that day, the game was not about winning
but about development of teamwork and fair play. She taught the girls
the principal values of the school,” he stated.
In 1984, when
Marilyn first joined Spence as a Lower School PE teacher, Channing
Barnett ’96 started first grade. “She was always a fundamental part of
Spence for me,” Channing remembered. “That big, warm grin that
characteristically lit up her eyes and crinkled her nose. It was this
face that made me love going to practice because behind that smile was
someone who genuinely was interested in my growth as an individual and
as an athlete.”
Junior Nicole D., co-captain of the Spence
Varsity Volleyball team, took the stage representing the team that,
despite the painful mid-season loss of their coach, pulled off the most
amazing season in Spence history when they clinched the school’s first
state championship title. “There isn’t a practice or a game where I
don’t remember her unconditional faith in me,” she emotionally shared.
A video presentation
highlighting Marilyn’s time at Spence—featuring the many years of Mini
Olympics, Marilyn’s brainchild—and a beautiful performance of Somewhere
Over the Rainbow, were among the collaborative tributes presented by
Marilyn’s colleagues and friends. Irving Kizner, Dorothy Lamonaca and
Denise Adorante each shared glimpses of their friendships—some going as
far back as college—and offered words of remembrance and comfort.
In
closing, Bodie Brizendine announced the creation of The Marilyn
Lunnetta Financial Aid Fund, an endowed fund of The Spence School.
About The Marilyn Lunnetta Financial Aid Fund
The
Marilyn Lunnetta Financial Aid Fund will acknowledge her many years of
service to The Spence School as teacher, coach, colleague and mentor.
The Fund will honor Marilyn’s unparalleled dedication to teaching the
whole child and her extraordinary gift of bringing out the very best in
every girl. The Marilyn Lunnetta Financial Aid Fund will support
deserving scholarship students who will bring their talents and
strengths to the Spence community that she loved so dearly.
To
make a contribution to the Marilyn Lunnetta Financial Aid Fund, you may
send a check payable to The Spence School, noting that the gift is for
the Lunnetta Fund, to the Development Office, 22 East 91st Street, New
York, NY 10128, or you may go to the Give Online
section of the Web site. On the online form, please be sure to designate your gift under
the “I would like my gift dedicated” option by selecting “In memory of”
and including the fund’s name.