John Bligh
- Speech teacher
- PS 229, Queens
Allyson is fondly remembered as “the great communicator” at PS 229 in Woodside, Queens, where she spoke eloquently on behalf of her students and colleagues. She died of coronavirus April 19 at the age of 48.
“Throughout her 25 years at PS 229, Allyson enhanced the lives of countless students and their families,” said Chapter Leader Loretta Tumbarello. “Those who were fortunate enough to know Allyson will forever remember her for being gracious, kind and compassionate. Her impact on the lives of her colleagues and friends is immeasurable.”
She organized birthday celebrations and social outings at PS 229, “keeping fun and joy in everyone’s lives,” Tumbarello recalled. Allyson loved to travel and share updates about her children, and she enjoyed talking about makeup, jewelry and fashion.
Allyson is survived by her husband, Gil; her children, Tamar and Asher; and her mother, Perry Mestel.
If you would like to make a contribution to the Schapira Fund established by her colleagues, please donate on one of the following online platforms; do not mail checks. Donations will be collected until May 4, 2020.
- Venmo: @JessicaLicata or @SamanthaGonzalez00
- ApplePay: Jessica Licata (646) 338-0564
- Zelle: Samantha Gonzales (917) 974-9148
I am in utter shock as I am just finding out about Allyson’s passing now. I was Allyson’s coach over 20 years ago at the local gym, she was not only sweet and adorable, but a genuinely good person with a pure heart.
My heart felt sympathies go out to her family.
Still hard to believe that ALLYSON will be gone due to covid April 19, 2020. Allyson was definitely someone so special & we miss her not being with her FAMILY, MOTHER & her FRIENDS.
How I miss our calls,texts and messaging. Allyson was a dear friend. My heart broke when I heard that she had passed. I was at her wedding to Gil. She was a gorgeous bride and a marvelous educator,wife,daughter,mother and dear friend. Allyson will truly be missed !
My condolences to Allysonś family, I will keep them in my prayers.
To the family so sorry for your loss. Although I did not know her she is part of a School Community. May her memories bring joy.
My prayers and thoughts go to her family I remember Alison when I was the asst principal T 229 she was a wonderful beautiful young woman with a lovely smile and beautiful eyes
May god take care of her and especially her family
Patricia wolf Goeller
This is such a tragedy. I pray for her family and loved ones.
I am going to miss Allyson. She was always kind, helpful, and a pleasure to be around.
A few years back when I got hit by a car while walking across the street, Allyson was one of the many people who helped and supported me while I was sitting on the curb with question marks and stars swirling around my head (like in the old cartoons). The man who hit me was making ridiculous comments and Allyson replied, “She’s in shock, Sir.” It amazed me how polite she was while putting him in his place.
As a fan of old movies, one day I was watching a Liz Taylor film and Allyson came to my mind. She had the same beautiful eyes and gorgeous facial features as Ms. Taylor. I will always remember my special “Liz Taylor”.
My heart hurts that she is gone and my prayers go out to her and her family, for she was a great lady.
I met Allyson back in the early 90’s at 229 she was a such a warm loving caring lady full of life and love her job and her colleagues she made friends so easily open hearted and kind the island of smiles radiant and shinning
Your gone way to soon for so many of us rest in peace watch over us all and your family my thoughts and prayers are for you all
Allyson was so kind, always willing to help others. I will remember her this way. She will be missed by many
Love that first picture ❤
reminds me of HS. Such a beautiful soul, such a loss father students, family and friends. My deepest condolences to her family.
Allyson’s smile lit up PS 229 for many years. She brightened every day. She was kind and thoughtful and will be missed greatly. Forever in our hearts.
Heaven got another angel when Ally arrived. A beautiful girl inside and out. A pleasure to work with and someone who always smiled and brought the light into the room, even in a room without any windows. Your kindness and generosity will be remembered and you will be missed. You will never be forgotten and your joy of life will live on in your children. XOXO
Allyson truly was a special woman. She was a dedicated professional and was loved by staff and students alike. She made lasting impacts on the lives of others. Allyson always made time for her friends/colleagues no matter how busy she was. I cannot imagine how things will be without you. I will miss you beyond words my friend. I loved laughing with you. I will always cherish the times that we shared together.
Love you Ally!
I was a PTA Mom from 1993-2005 at PS229Q and Allyson was one of the teachers I remember with fondness. Always a smile on her face and a kind word to everyone she met. Her loss to the 229 community is immeasurable. I send my heartfelt condolences to everyone who loves her.
Allyson was one of the most selfless people I ever met. She was always there to listen, to give you a hug, to cry with you. Allyson was an amazing speech teacher and an incredible colleague. I consider myself so lucky and blessed to have had her in my life. While life goes on, life will never be the same. Allyson’s memory will live on in all of use who knew and loved her.
Sending love to her family and the entire PS 229 Family.
We love you Ally!
Allyson was one of the most empathetic caring person I’ve ever met. She was so down to earth and was so supportive. People who knew her loved her and people who would meet her for the first time loved her instantly. I’ve known Allyson for 17 years, but got close to her the last 5 years. I am a speech teacher at PS14 and enjoyed doing lunches and talking with Allyson about our battles in life. I will never forget you Allyson your smile brightened my day. Your company made me feel warm over and over again. I prayed for you during your illness and I will pray for your family everyday.