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Dublin Unified School District is mourning the loss of one of its own as Kenna Moirao, a longtime educator who taught third grade at Frederiksen Elementary School, died last week surrounded by family. She was 44.
An online memorial said Moirao “passed away peacefully” on Aug. 21; a cause of death was not revealed.
“It is with extreme sadness that we inform you of the heartbreaking news that our beloved colleague, teacher and friend, Kenna Moirao passed away on Friday, August 21, 2020 with her family by her side,” DUSD Interim Superintendent Daniel Moirao said in a statement. “She will be dearly missed, forever loved and never forgotten.”
“This not only a loss of an exceptional professional, but a personal loss as well,” added Daniel Moirao.
The interim superintendent said Kenna Moirao, an award-winning educator who received the 2019-20 District Recognition Award in spring, “will always be remembered as an inspiring, kind-hearted, energetic, positive and encouraging person who truly loved her school, her staff and most importantly, her kids.”
Parents of Kenna Moirao’s current and former students were saddened by news of her death.
In an online tribute, the Drake family from Dublin shared their appreciation and said, “Of all the teachers my sons have had, (Moirao) was definitely at the top of the list. Her passion for teaching and the love for the kids was obvious. Her laugh was everything. She will definitely be missed. Rest in peace, Kenna.”
Kenna Moirao is survived by her parents David and Diane Moirao, sister Tiffani, and nephew and nieces Jacob, Alyssa and Addyson. The school district declined to elaborate on the exact relationship between the interim superintendent and the late teacher.
In lieu of flowers, her family is asking that donations be made in Kenna Moirao’s memory to the nonprofit organization Culinary Angels at culinaryangels.org.
Community members may submit a photo of Moirao for a video memorial that will be made at the end of the week. Email photos by Thursday (Aug. 27) to communications@dublinusd.org.
DUSD said counselors are available this week “to support our staff and students as much as we can during this difficult time in our school community.”
Sweet Kenna, I am so sorry. Diane, David, Tiffani & family please accept our deepest condolences. We are so very sorry to hear this.
Kenna and I met in 2nd grade right after I moved to Pleasanton. She was instantly my best friend and I have a million memories of cartoons and snacks after school, running around our yards, laughing and dancing… She was a beautiful person and she will be missed tremendously.