Obituary of Verda Cavallaro

CAVALLARO, Verda ?Florence? of Woodbury, NJ on May 3, 2006. Aged 89 years. Born in Philadelphia, Florence achieved a Bachelor of Arts degree in Education and a Masters Degree in Art from Temple University. Before retiring in 1982, she taught for over 39 years in the Philadelphia School System. Florence sponsored the John Bartram High School Chapter of the National Honor Society. She was appointed to Simon Gratz High School as the Head of the Departments of English, Reading, and Foreign languages. Florence was transferred to John Bartam High School as the English and Reading Department Head, where she established the school newspaper, ?Thomas Tribune?, at Thomas Junior High School. She chaired the Fels Foundation District One Reading Improvement Project and the ?Guide on Speaking and Listening?, as well as served on the English Curriculum Committee, which wrote the Curriculum Guides for Junior and Senior High Schools. She was the President and Vice President of the Philadelphia Teachers English Club, as well as a member of the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, where she served as Building Representative for many years. As Building Representative, ?I learned that contracts are maintained by vigilance and trust, that they must sometimes be defended by strikes, and that friendships that are forged on the picket line last forever.? Florence was also honored by the Veritas Society ?for adherence to lofty principles and outstanding contributions to education and communications?. .In her spare time, she enjoyed cultivating her artistic talents through painting, drawing and supporting ?The Arts?. Florence will be remembered for her unselfish devotion and charitable nature towards her family and others. She will forever by her family?s ?Moral Compass?. Dear sister of the late Joseph Cavallaro, the late Rosemarie Osterich, and the late Carmen Cavallaro and the late Mary Cavallaro. Beloved aunt of Alfred Elaine Cavallaro, Joseph Kathleen Cavallaro, Jr., Roseanne Joel Reffner, Catherine Bruno Varallo, Leona John McCabe, Michael and Tina Cavallaro, Lawrence Joy Osterich and Victor Cavallaro and many great nieces & nephews and great-great nieces & nephews. Visitation MON. 10 to 10:45 A.M. in St. Patrick?s RC Church, Euclid & Cooper Sts., Woodbury, NJ. Funeral Mass MON. 11 A.M. in the church. Interment Holy Cross Cemetery, Yeadon, PA. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made the American Heart Association, 600 White Horse Pike, Audubon, NJ 08106 and the American Cancer Society, 1851 Old Cuthbert Rd., Cherry Hill, NJ 08034. Tributes and memories may be shared by clicking on the "Guestbook" icon. ?The Lifetime Tribute Funeral Home?