It is with profound sadness and grief that we share the news that longtime Bernard Zell fourth grade teacher, JoAnn Wexler, passed away on the morning of July 10.
A beloved member of our school community for over 40 years, JoAnn was recently honored at our faculty appreciation event, where she was described by her colleagues as “a once in a lifetime educator” who will be remembered as “the most devoted, most incredible fourth grade teacher any child could ever hope to have.”
Ms. Wex’s impact on our school community and the hundreds of young people she taught is immense. May her friends and family find comfort amongst the mourners of Zion and Jerusalem, and may her memory be for a blessing.
JoAnn’s family has established the JoAnn Wexler Memorial Fund in her memory. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to this fund that will support faculty and student learning for generations to come. Any messages included with donations will be shared with her family. A memorial service will be held this fall to honor Ms. Wex; additional details will be forthcoming.
"One of my favorite teachers of all time - I feel so fortunate to have been in her class and to have had her in my life."
- Alana
"Jo was an amazing person, teacher, mentor, and friend. I loved her and will miss her every day. Her memory will live on in every person she met. Her colleagues at Bernard Zell are better for having known her but her students are the real beneficiaries. She loved them as if they were hers. She remembered them all as they brought true joy to her life. Jo was a treasure to us all."
- Karen
"Ms. Wex made every student feel connected and special - even those she didn’t have in her classroom felt her love. Truly a gift to the Bernard Zell community and one that will be greatly missed."
- Marci
"Ms. Wex was such a treasure! We were so so lucky to have her in our BZ community. Thinking about memories of JoAnn in the hallways at school, at her desk “holding court” during after school programming, the thought of Ms Wex with Ms C guiding our kids around the city each summer for “camp” ... brings back warm, happy memories that make me remember JoAnn and smile."
- Miriam
"It’s so hard to process this news. She was a pure soul, cared about every student and every teacher with whom she taught! She exuded happiness and warmth. That’s why she designated herself to present teachers with special presents for different milestones of their teaching. Each personally chosen gift was accompanied by a very personalized tribute. She will be missed! יהי זכרה ברוך"
- Faith
