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Garfield Community School on Saturday, April 6, became a gathering place of love, remembrance, and heartfelt pledges as hundreds came together to celebrate the life of Principal Mrs. Lupe Torres-Khalil, who died after a battle with cancer.
The beloved principal, described by her students, friends and family as “fun and funny,” “maravillosa,” and “unforgettable,” left an indelible mark on her school and the community she served with dedication and joy.
As attendees filled the white chairs set up beneath the chilly, windy skies of the schoolyard, the air was filled with the vibrant green and white of balloons and attire, echoing the school’s colors and the spirited nature of Torres-Khalil.
The memorial service, which commenced at 11 a.m., was a poignant blend of tears, laughter, and memories as speakers took to the stage to honor a woman whose legacy transcended her time at Garfield and Taft, where she previously worked.
Torres-Khalil, 52, grew up in Sunnyvale and was deeply committed to serving underprivileged communities and working closely with Latino populations. Her dedication to these causes was rooted in her family’s journey from Mexico, her husband Rami Khalil told the Pulse.
Lupe’s passion for her community and students was unwavering, even before she stepped into her role as principal at Garfield, he said.
“I heard stories of her dedication, her passion, never wavering,” he said. The two have been married for about 20 years and celebrated their first date on Oct. 5, 1999, instead of their wedding date.
Following her death on March 15, Superintendent John Baker sent a message to the Garfield Community School community informing them of her passing. In it, Baker called Torres-Khalil a “guiding light for our students, families, and staff.”
“Her dedication to education and her unwavering support for each and every member of our community have left an indelible mark on our community,” Baker said in his message. “Over the years, Lupe touched countless lives and inspired us all with her kindness, compassion, and leadership.”
Arlyn Pizarro, an eighth grader who has known Torres-Khalil since preschool, shared personal anecdotes that painted a picture of a principal who was an educator, mentor, and friend.
“She impacted my life with her determination,” Pizarro said, adding that the two shared moments of laughter and creativity.
From her love of Snoopy and Star Wars to her dedication to teaching and her community, Torres-Khalil’s influence was deeply felt, Pizarro said.
“We will have you in our hearts forever,” she said.
Another student, Nicole Marroquin, offered a touching tribute to a woman who fought tirelessly for her students and community, despite personal challenges.
“She showed us how to never give up,” Marroquin said, remembering Torres-Khalil’s resilience and unwavering positivity.
Among the voices that resonated through the crowd on Saturday’s memorial was that of New Beginnings Community Church Pastor Hurmon Hamilton, who used Nat King Cole’s song to encapsulate the essence of Torres-Khalil, calling her “unforgettable.”
In a call to action, Hamilton challenged the school district to invest more in Garfield, envisioning it as a model school within the district. He highlighted a significant gesture of support, announcing that the New Beginnings Community Church, in a spirit of commitment to Torres-Khalil’s vision, would pledge $25,000 towards school programs and improvements.
“Let’s make sure that this school has access to the best teachers that they can get. Let’s invest and make sure that there’s tutoring and counseling and wraparound services for the people,” Hamilton said.
The pledge comes at a critical time, as the district faces financial challenges, including layoffs and program cuts aimed at reducing its budget by $5 million.
When asked to comment on NBCC’s $25,000 pledge, Baker said he was surprised and that it was the first time he had heard about the funds.
“It’s wonderful,” he added. He also said the memorial service was beautiful.