Obituary of Teri Taormina

Teri Concolino Taormina died on November 13, 2007, at Salinas Valley Memorial Hospital, after a valiant and determined 12-year battle with breast cancer. Teri was born in Carmel in 1951, one of three children of William (Bill) Concolino and Vivian Concolino. The family moved to Monterey in 1953. She graduated from Monterey High School in 1969, attended Monterey Peninsula College for two years, and then transferred to the University of Arizona in Tucson, where she graduated in 1973 with both a BA and a teaching credential. She received some of her education studying in Mexico, Guatemala and El Salvador, where she acquired the skills to be able to teach in both English and Spanish. In 1980 she earned a Masters Degree in Mexican American Studies (Bilingual/Bicultural Education) from San Jose State University. Teri lived in Salinas and was employed for 34 years as a bilingual elementary school teacher at La Gloria Elementary School in Gonzales. Among her many career achievements, she most recently received the KSBW Crystal Apple Award for Teaching Excellence and a Proclamation from the City of Gonzales recognizing her years of dedication to generations of students. Teri was especially proud that she taught in a school designed by her father, the late FAIAArchitect William Concolino. She also founded and was team captain of the La Gloria Elementary School "Bulldog's" Relay for Life team. In 1979, Teri met Monterey High classmate John Taormina, and they married in 1980 giving them 28 wonderful years together. In 1984 their daughter Stacy was born. Teri loved being a wife and mother, teacher, mentor, and having so many great friends. She loved shopping, reading, traveling and her dog, Jack, and could most often be found in the company of her teaching partner and dear friend, Lesley Kasavan. She was preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, John, of Salinas; daughter, Stacy of Tucson; brother, Nick Concolino and sister, Maile Matier and their spouses; several nieces, nephews and cousins, and many wonderfully caring and supportive friends. A memorial service will be held at 3 PM, Friday, November 16, 2007 at the First Presbyterian Church, 830 Padre Drive in Salinas. Memorial contributions may be made in honor of Teri to the La Gloria Relay for Life team c/o Kasavan Marketing, 38 East Romie Lane, Salinas, CA 93901. Friday November 16, 2007 , 3 PM at First Presbyterian Church Click for Map and Directions