John Bligh
- 3K Early childhood paraprofessional
- PS 298 Dr. Betty Shabbaz, Brooklyn
Magda Napoleoni was a paraprofessional par excellence at PS 298 in Brooklyn, where she was known for her kindness toward both students and staff and for her dedication as an educator. She was described as a shining light who always made her coworkers and students smile.
A UFT member for 23 years, Magda was 54 when she died of coronavirus on April 10.
“There are certain people you meet who have a profound impact on your life. Magda was one of those individuals,” said Chapter Leader Hillary Reyes. “She had a heart, soul and spirit like no other person I have ever met. She genuinely loved all our students and truly was a gem with a heart made of gold.”
Known in the Brownsville school as a strong, loving and caring professional, Magda left a lasting imprint on many lives. She enjoyed helping others, listened with compassion and gave supportive advice to friends, students’ families and colleagues. She was called a “Panther educator” for the school’s mascot.
Magda graduated with honors from Touro College, earning a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education. She was a graduate of Thomas Jefferson HS in East New York, Brooklyn.
Beloved by all, colleagues say her absence will be a huge loss for the entire school community.
Magda loved her family deeply and adored her granddaughter Hailey and her puppy Toby. She is also survived by her husband Edwin, son Edwin Jr. and daughter Vicki.
Condolences may be sent via email to: vrios32@yahoo.com
My Dearest Magda… you were the best… rest in eternal peace “My Linda”
Loved working with her. She was very attentive to the students. Gave 100 percent everyday regardless of her illness. A very kind and humble spirit. I will truly miss her. From my family to hers we give our deepest Sympathy. Lean on God to help you through this time. Our prayers are with you. God Bless, Renee Barnes & family.
I met Ms. Napoleoni while subbing at PS298 in 2017. I never forgot her, she was sweet, helpful, great with Children and families, simply put truly amazing. The last time I saw her was at District PD for 3K teachers earlier this year and she was still just as sweet and loving as when I met her. Sincere Condolences to her family and the PS298 family. May She Rest In Peace!
Ms. Napoleoni’s spirit was a constant spirit I wanted to be in the presence of. She consistently showed kindness. She consistently showed love to ALL. She consistently spoke peace, even when she was upset. She consistently helped her students and colleagues. When you were around her she made you feel like everything would be alright. She will be missed. I know she is in the presence of our Lord and while that means she’s not with us, I am still grateful to have known her. My condolences to her family.
Earth is missing a BEAUTIFUL SOUL and heaven gained an ANGEL.
I will never forget our private meetings and your encouragement my first year as Teacher Center Specialist. Your warm and caring soul touched me deeply. May our Heavenly Father receives you in His Kingdom.
Oh Ms. Napoleoni. This one hurts. We love you.
May your soul rest in peace. Honor I got the chance to have known and worked with you so many years ago. Madga you were a light that shone brightly Xx
My Sister inlaw was one of the best Person you can ever meet kind hearted and also caring iam here with a broken heart Thanking all of you with all the kind words eveybody has said about her Thank you there will be a CELEBRATION OF LIFE ON SATURDAY APRIL 25TH AT 3PM IT WILL BE ON ZOOM DO TO THIS VIRUS AND DONE BY
PASTOR MAKALYHI WISH AND HOPE YOU WILL CELEBRATE WITH US THANK YOU AGAIN ALL INFO IS ON MAGDA WANDA NAPOLEONI FB BOOK PAGE OR HER DAUGHTER VICKY MY NIECE AGAIN TGANK YOU HOPE TO SEE YOU GUYS THERE
ELBA NAPOLEONI
I had the distinct pleasure of working with Magda Napoleoni when I came to work at PS 298 as a Teacher. I can speak to you as many have done about Ms Napoleoni the Teacher, the Para, but I got to see another side of her when I began a prayer group before classes began in my classroom.
Magda Napoleoni was a woman of Faith, so there is no doubt in my mind that she is in the Master’s Arms healed of all diseases. Magda lived her life serving people. She served as a daughter, wife,mother, sister,teacher, grandmother and friend to all who knew her. There were times when she’d come to work not feeling well but because of her dedication to the children she served, she made the effort. I’d see her and say “let’s pray” didn’t matter where we were or who was watching, we joined hands and prayed. It made us both feel better and resume our day. Magda was the Para in both of my grandchildren’s Kindergarten classrooms and she treated them as if they were her own, not only mine but all her students, if they didn’t have she made sure they did without a fuss, she quietly just took care of it. That’s the type of person she was. Ms Napoleoni will be missed by her PS 298 Family, but her spirit will live on because we got the opportunity to know her.
SIHP (Sleep in Heavenly Peace) Magda, for to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.
Till we meet again
Hey Elba, my name is Doris Figueroa Anderson one of the Teachers who retired from 298. I wanted you to know that there was quite a few PS 298 staff, who logged on the Zoom call and got kicked off although we tried to log back in and we’re unsuccessful. At first there was a mix up with the code and password, then we couldn’t hear anything, and then we were kicked off.I don’t know if a video was done that perhaps would be made available for viewing for those who didn’t get an opportunity to attend. I went to both Magda’s page and daughters page and didn’t see anything.
Thanks again,
Doris Figueroa Anderson
Rest in peace. Condolences to the family, from a fellow educator.
Wow my heart is deeply saddened. I attended Touro and graduated with this sweet lady . We went to the same hairdresser and even attended same high school . She was kind and sweet . My deepest condolences to her husband and family . May she Rest In Peace .