It is with great sadness that I write this message to the Coppola family. You knew Mary Jo as a wife, mother and grandmother. But many of us knew her as a colleague. I taught with Mary Jo since she joined the faculty at Middle School North. She was a devoted and dedicated teacher who always strove for the betterment of her students. Never backing down, shirking responsibility or shying away from making her opinions known, she was an exceptional educator. She will be missed by all who knew her.

May you take comfort knowing that many share your sense of loss.

Sincerely,

Renee Rosen

Mary Jo and I were teaching partners for 10+ years at Howell Middle School North. She taught science and Math, and I taught English and Social Studies. We shared the same students, similar experiences, laughter, and tears. We put our heads together to make the learning experience the best it could possibly be. Teaching was in her blood. She was passionate about it and cared deeply for her students as if they were her own children.

One of my favorite memories of our collaboration was the fact that we opened the school every morning at the crack of dawn. We would meet in the school parking lot while it was still dark outside and literally open up the school much to the chagrin of the Police Department and Fire Department, because we often inadvertently set off the alarms.

MaryJo was a wonderful educator, and a special friend. She will be sorely missed. My sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Warmest regards,

Teri Brown