UFT Admin
- Retired Teacher
Anita Deonarine, a passionate math teacher who made students feel safe and supported, died on April 2, 2025, at age 61.
Anita left her career as a compensation analyst in 2004 to pursue teaching. After attaining a master’s degree in math education from Mercy University, Anita taught at a private high school in Queens before becoming employed as a teacher at PS 306 in Brooklyn, where she taught from 2006 to 2011. She then taught at School of the Future HS in Manhattan from 2011 until her retirement in 2019.
Anita’s husband, Kenneth, said his wife “had a passion for teaching math to her students and wanted all of them to succeed. Students were drawn to her because of her smile, genuine personality and caring attitude.”
“She really did this because she believed in not just teaching, but helping youth,” said Diana Sierra, one of Anita’s colleagues at School of the Future HS. “She was really in tune with students; who they were as people.”
Sierra said that when she asked Anita why she had left a more lucrative career as an analyst for teaching, she replied, “I love math, and I think I can help kids really love it, too, and become successful.”
“And she did,” said Sierra.
A school trip to China in 2018 exemplified who Anita was as a person. Sierra, who organized the trip, was having trouble finding people to chaperone, a volunteer commitment that meant giving up one’s spring break to work. “Once I told Anita about my passion for traveling and having students exposed to other cultures, she signed up right away, and she was amazing,” said Sierra. “I don’t think I could have done that trip without her.”
Anita’s nurturing demeanor helped the students enjoy the trip, despite being in an unfamiliar place, far from home and school. “It’s not just about you going somewhere — you’re really helping students expand their knowledge about the world and culture,” Sierra said. “Anita was instrumental to what that trip was about for us.”
Anita’s love of travel began early. During high school, she studied in France as an exchange student and became fluent in French. After graduating from Ohio State University, where she ran track and majored in mathematics, Anita lived in Mexico and Italy, becoming fluent in both Spanish and Italian. As a lifelong learner, Anita also studied Mandarin and always kept pace with new technology as it emerged.
Anita was a member of the New York Road Runners organization and savored city life. Guided by a deep faith, she attended services at the interdenominational Times Square Church.
After retiring, Anita continued teaching math part-time at LaGuardia Community College, working up until the week before her death. The college held a memorial. Many of her students attended and wrote heartfelt tribute letters to their beloved teacher.
In addition to her husband, Anita is survived by her son, Kenneth Adonis Deonarine.
Condolences can be emailed to Kenneth.S.Deonarine@gmail.com.
Good Afternoon Mr. Deonarine & Family,
My condolences for the loss of your beautiful and talented wife. I worked with Anita at PS 306 when she was a math coach. I was her counterpart as the Literacy Coach.
Her vibrant energy was a ray of sunshine not only for the students but for her colleagues as well. I remember when she would teach the students French as a part of her math lesson and on her lunch time. I also remember that she would ride her bike or walk to work. Most of all, I recall the days when she and I would collaborate on lessons and disaggregate the ELA and Math data for the teachers.Glad to know that she retired, I retired in 2019 as well.
She often spoke of both you and your beautiful son. Her face would light up even more. Again, my condolences and prayers for you and your family. Anita will be missed but not forgotten.
God Bless,
Cynthia Harris-Frederick, Ed.D
Anita was simply the best person I have ever met, kind and compassionate beyond words and could she run?? Like the wind!! She was brilliant and her math mind was simply genius!!! We worked together for a long time on Wall Street before she became a teacher! Teaching was always her passion and she wanted to do that from the moment I met her. The world is noticeably missing her and the joy she brought to all of us who loved her. She will never be forgotten.
The love of my life for over 30 yrs, always and forever.
Sorry for your loss. I worked with her at P.S 306. I remember her gluten allergy. She would tell a funny story about her son saying he will throw flower on her if he gets angry at her. Always a pleasant soul. May she have eternal peace. Ms. Wright.
I had the privilege of having Ms. Anita as my teacher for 2 years, and she played a pivotal role in helping me overcome my struggles with various disorders, including testing anxiety. She instilled confidence in me, teaching me to believe in myself, a gift for which I will always be grateful. Although she won’t be present to see me receive my diploma at 44, an achievement she helped me attain, I’m thankful for her encouragement to pursue my dreams without embarrassment, regardless of age. I will cherish the lessons she taught me and the love she shared with me. I deeply miss and love her, and I wish I could have one more conversation, hear one more of her jokes, and receive one more of her hugs.
Anita is truly missed. She had a beautiful kind loving spirit and lived life to the fullest. Condolences to her family.
As Anita’s childhood friend, I will always remember her kindness she showed me as the new six grade student. Who she blossomed into as an adult, she also possessed those same characteristics as a child. Anita was caring, brilliant and successful at whatever she decided to pursue. May her legacy for teaching never dim to those she taught and mentored. Her bright smile will never fade in our hearts. Love always, Angela