Mona Woolard, a beloved Village School employee, passed away February 16 after a brief illness. She was 42. Woolard joined Village School in 2000 and instantly became a valued member of the staff with her contagious laughter, her flair for fashion, and her organizational skills and efficiency. Working in admissions, she was often the first contact with prospective parents, and instantly put them at ease with her openness and warmth. Her presence as ‘the divine Ms. Mona’ was felt throughout the school with her playful, yet caring ways. Her love of animals was readily apparent when a visitor entered her office and saw Freddie, the school’s pet rat, sitting on her shoulder. Her humor was effusive and her inventiveness without question. It was always a treat to see what Halloween costumes she would devise. With her ‘Family Circle’ of students, Mona was always supportive, especially at Field Day when she provided ‘Monavation’ in the form of candy for her team. She also initiated special ways to honor the sixth graders from her ‘Family’ as they headed towards graduation. As the mother of 11-year-old twin boys, Devon and Dahmien, Woolard wanted to instill in them an appreciation for learning and their surroundings. During the November 2008 fires near Sylmar, she took the boys to a shelter to comfort and care for those young and old. Her generosity of spirit, combined with her no-nonsense approach to life, had an immediate effect on everyone she came into contact with. Members of the school community are devastated, but reflect on the cherished days shared with Woolard. She will be missed and remembered. A memorial service was held last Friday in the Village School gym.
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