Mrs. Gabriel's Pre-School mourns her passing

By Ilia L. Likou 27 April 2017, 12:00AM

Mrs. Palepa Gabriel Lucky, a retired teacher and principal of the school named after her, Mrs Gabriel’s Pre-School passed away peacefully yesterday morning.

She was 74.

Her eldest daughter, Matile Lucky confirmed her passing to the Samoa Observer.

“We sorely miss our mother, she was beautiful and a hardworking person,” Matile said.

“She was a very special lady in everyone’s heart.

Palepa Gabriel was a retired teacher after 35 years of service teaching at St Mary’s Primary School.

“When she retired, that’s when she started her pre-school at Togafu’afu’a in 1994.

“In 1996 the pre-school relocated here, and as of today, the number of children is growing from year to year.

Gabriel attended St Mary’s in the early 50s, and from there she was trained as an infant and junior teacher by taupousa.

“I think that’s where it all started, her commitment to teaching young children and walking alongside with them.

 "There's no doubt that many of her students have benefited from her unceasing commitment during her teaching career. 

“She will forever be in our hearts.

One of her students, 21-year-old, Taulia Muliagatele described her as an “outstanding teacher”.

“As one of her students, I think, the affect she had on the community and the whole of Samoa is undeniable 

“She had such calm and friendly manner with the students. Yes, Mrs Gabriel was certainly a great teacher.

“ I am one of those children who was lucky enough to be taught and nurtured by her...fa’afetai  Mrs Gabriel!

“I will miss her terribly.

“May you rest in peace!

Mrs. Gabriel has eight children with the late Alphonse Lucky from the villages of Togafu’afu’a and Vaimea.

By Ilia L. Likou 27 April 2017, 12:00AM
Samoa Observer

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