A memorial mass was held May 14 for Donna Guilbert, a health and physical education teacher at Leonia High School for 27 years. Guilbert, 51, passed away May 9 after a battle with cancer.
St. John the Evangelist Church on Broad Avenue was packed with friends, colleagues, and former and current students.
"You can look and see all the people who have been touched by Donna," Michael DeVito, her brother, said during the service.
Guilbert was a graduate of Montclair State University and received her master’s degree from New Jersey City University in 1997. She was named Best All-Around Female Athlete in high school in 1974.
She was a high school volleyball official and everyone said the image of her in her black and white referee shirt will always stand out.
Guilbert’s husband of 28 years, Thomas, said his wife was "giving and forgiving." He was thankful that a woman who was so beautiful, intelligent, and caring chose to live her life with him.
"It’s a privilege that I’ll honor everyday for the rest of my life," he said at the service. "I’m very thankful that everyone is here to celebrate her life."
Leonia Public Schools Superintendent Bernard Josefsberg said the service was very moving.
"What struck me most was the number of individuals who attended the service who have been a part of the community for a long time," he said.
DeVito said his sister always took care of him as a kid, even making sure he had cards to give on birthdays until he was old enough to remember himself.
"Even as a teenager she was in control," he said. "I learned so much but probably didn’t realize it until I was a parent myself."
His two daughters were inspired to follow her into teaching. DeVito said Guilbert went to his son’s basketball games even while getting treatment for her illness.
"She always put others first and set the standard very high for herself," he said.
DeVito finished his speech at the service with a story from when Guilbert was diagnosed with cancer two years ago and he said it definitely sums up his sister.
"She said she’s not afraid to die," DeVito said.
Rev. Roy Ontiveros said seeing the church full showed it was obvious how much Guilbert’s life impacted other people’s lives.
"That should be a consolation," he said. "We should be thankful for her life and let it truly be an inspiration."
Ontiveros said Guilbert taught students about life and not just how to play sports.
"Remember her when you teach your children," he said. "She questioned if she gave enough and yes, it was enough."
Donations in her name may be made to the Donna DeVito Guilbert Scholarship Fund c/o 96 Claremont Ave., Saddle Brook, N.J. 07663.
