Maria Grazia Locopo (nee Giugno), of Garden City, passed away on May 3 after a brief illness.

Mrs. Locopo was more than just a resident of the village, she was an extraordinary first grade teacher at Homestead School, where she touched the lives of many. She began in the school as a permanent substitute in 1982, was appointed to a probationary teacher in 1984 and went on to serve as the head teacher at Homestead for over 15 years.

The contributions that Mrs. Locopo made to the education of students went beyond the classroom. She frequently incorporated the use of fine arts in her lessons, working with artists such as Picasso, Monet, and Van Gogh. The impact she had will last a lifetime because she inspired each child to love learning and to become a compassionate, caring person.

Maria Grazia Locopo touched not only her students's lives but the lives of all those around her. Vita Banks, a colleague and friend of more than 30 years, reflected on the type of person Mrs. Locopo was in her eulogy, which she presented at the Mass of Christian Burial at St. Anne's Church on Saturday.

"Many of us know Maria as Maria Grazia, a name befitting her persona. It means Mary Grace and she was full of grace. A real lady, who was devoted to her faith, lived her faith, loved the Blessed Mother, her namesake, and possessed qualities of forgiveness, dignity, charm, and being a goodwill ambassador. Her name reflects the life she led- that's our Maria Grazia." eulogized Banks. "When we think of her, it's the obvious beauty and sweet smile that comes into focus, yet Maria Grazia's beauty went beyond that. It was her soul, her spirituality, which reflected her inner beauty. It was a gift from God, and those who loved her felt it. She made each and every one of us feel so special. This feeling of spirituality filtered through her teaching and her belief in the Golden Rule. She was the pied piper, an innovator, an initiato and receiver of the first Best Teacher of the Year Award in Garden City. Before multicultural experiences were fostered in the classroom, Maria Grazia's children were cooking and singing up a storm. Before thematic approaches were in vogue, Maria Grazia was creating and implementing them. Her approach to education was multi-faceted and always exciting... She was a role model to her colleagues and a master teacher to all. What a gift, yet the greatest gift she had was the way she loved her family..."

"We all know Maria Grazia was sophisticated, elegant, and proper, but she also poseesed a tremendous capacity for fun, as many of us here know too well... Although many years ago Maria Grazia turned down a screen test at Paramount Studios, her flair for the theater always stayed with her, just ask any of her students or friends, they know... Thousands of memories make me proud to say, 'That's our Maria Grazia.' Her spirit will be alive through the messages she gave us and the love she gave so freely..."

Banks, in an interview this week noted that Mrs. Locopo was a teacher in everything she did. She remarked upon her sense of humor and gracefulness, as well as the impact that she had on the students. Banks noted that she also included the families of the students in much of what was done in the classroom. It was partially because of this inclusion of everyone that so many were affected by her death. Over 600 pepople attended her funeral. Superintendent of Schools Dr. Stephen Leitman has provided grief counselors and psychologists throughout her illness and passing, not only for the students she had this school year but for students she had years ago who were equally impacted.

According to Banks, Mrs. Locopo received over 300 letters from students she had years ago. "This woman gave such love and such a desire to learn and to be proud of themselves. It wasn't just learning academically, she made them feel good about themselves," said Banks. "She touched them all in a way that no teacher I know has been able to, and I know many wonderful teachers. She had something special, she was magic." Whether it be her students, her family, or her friends, Locopo was able to make everybody feel as though they were the most special person in her life, according to Banks.

Born in Italy, Maria Grazia Locopo was the beloved wife of Anthony and mother of James and mother-in-law of Laura. She was the cherished Nonna of Anthony and Christina, the adored sister of Cosima Lazzari and Rosetta Giugno-Pirozzi, and the beloved sister-in-law of the Locopo family in Italy.

For the past four years, Mrs. Locopo was president of the Delta Kappa Gamma International Society Chapter of Alpha Upsilon, an honorary society for women educators. A special ceremony from that organization was held in her honor at the wake. Along with her many other contributions to her community, she served on the executive board of the Italian Cultural Society. She promoted cultural awareness of her native land with pride.

She was there for education, she was there for culture, she was there for love, she was just there and she never said 'no' to helping," said Banks, who noted that those who loved her still feel her presence and the glow that she had around her, "It was an incredible experience knowing her and it was a gift to be able to love her," concluded Banks.

Interment was at Holy Rood Cemetery. Donations to the American Cancer Society for the research of glioblastoma, 839 Stewart Avenue, Garden City, NY 11530, appreciated.