Obituaries

Condolences

• 10/01/2021

  Whitney

  I was in her 6th grade class in 1987-88. She was stern but yet fair. I hope many teachers learn from her. At 39 years of age with 4 children battling an ailment I say goodbye to you and a thank you. Peace to you and yours.

• 10/01/2021

  Zohal Sharif

  Mama Gould, you were one of the fiercest, brightest, and most lovable teacher I've ever had. You unconditional love for all your students helped so many believe in themselves and try their hardest. It truly breaks my heart that you're gone. I haven't had those sour patch straws in such a long time and I have a strong feeling I'm going to buy some today and remember all those days you gave our class candy. This is my second year in college and I can still remember you standing outside of your door telling everyone to hurry up to class. I made great friends in your class and you truly helped me overcome my shyness. It's been about 9 years since I've been in your class and I still talk about it this day. You'll be missed for your humor, love, and joy you brought to so many, especially me. Thank you so much, Mama Gould! Rest in paradise!

• 10/01/2021

  Sharlene Miranda

  This lady was the only lady I knew at the time always on her nail game... RIP Ms.Math Diva

• 10/01/2021

  Hannah Watson

  Shelley was someone that I admired and respected very much. In teaching she was firm, but incredibly caring and her students excelled because of it. She encouraged me on some of my toughest days of teaching, by giving a word of advice or making me laugh. She will definitely be missed. Rest in God's care Shelley

• 10/01/2021

  Jacky Gonzalez

  Mama Gould, you were certainly one of my favorite teachers, I will miss you so much. I loved how you didn't hesitate to push me more into writing, I thank you for that. You prepared me for middle school and your advice made it an easy experience for me. I won't ever forget the amazing and fun experiences I had in your class, thank you for all of that. Rest in peace, Mama. (2010-2011 5th grade student)

• 10/01/2021

  Bri Brady

  Gould was a woman who knew how to make an impression. I'll never forget how thankful I was as a scared little six-grader, in a new scary place, to be greeted by her straight-to-the-point attitude that I think really helped give me a better taste of reality and made me so much more successful in middle school and in life. Day one of her class was an event everyone on campus talked about, her lecture about the difference between an F and a zero was simply unforgettable! She'd smack her hip with a clipboard for effect and holler "ZERR-OOO" for dramatic effect. Really had the whole class cracking up, but it also taught us a valuable lesson about her grading policy! While many of the teachers acted like we were still in elementary school, she respected us. Told us "this is why I teach sixth grade! This age group aren't a bunch of babies!" I looked forward to her class every day, and when the time came that I did need some help, she was there. Like when my allergy to dust mites closed my throat up in the middle of class! I was explaining what was happening, trying to make it clear I wasn't faking but she cut me off and asked simply, "but what can I do to help right now?" She was an incredie woman and one heck of a great teacher. It was a privilege to have known her, my heart goes out to her family, friends, and the students she dedicated her life to helping. --Brianna Brady, Gould's Student year 2006

• 10/01/2021

  Glenna Ritt

  She was an exceptional teacher and a lovely person. Our condolences to her family. You are missed.

• 10/01/2021

  Brandon

  Rest in peace Mama Gould. I had you as my first math teacher of 6th grade in 2003-4 at Caesar Chavez and you really brought a different light to a subject that had always been difficult for me. Thank you for inspiring me to be a better student and always finding a way to make us laugh. You were strict yet incredibly caring about your students. Many thanks and my condolences to the Gould family.

• 10/01/2021

  Rochelle Thorne

  Mama Gould was a tough cookie, and the best math teacher I ever met! I'd never seen so many kids cry in her class the first day, then swear she was their favorite by the end of the year. She was incredibly passionate about teaching and my only regret is that my children didn't get to have her. I hope she's at peace teaching all the children in heaven!

• 10/01/2021

  Kathy Frye

  Shelley was an amazing person and a true friend. After teaching intermediate grades mathematics for more than 30 years she embraced the challenge of switching to elementary school. While some people may have grumbled, Shelley thrived and soaked up the new learning. As a literacy coach I had the honor of working with her many times in her 5th grade classroom and she inspired me each time with her eagerness to tackle new things and the care for her students that was so evident. Shelley will be greatly missed here at Kitayama. Kathy Frye

• 10/01/2021

  Evelyn Amezquita

  Mama Gould was one of the coolest teachers I've ever had. She only gave homework on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. She told us to never count with our fingers. And made middle school less scary. She wouldn't push you when you didn't know the answer to a problem. Rest In Peace Mama Gould you'll be missed! - From your 2005-06 student

• 10/01/2021

  Marissa Leimone

  I remember how much she helped me in class, academically and socially, she always listened and encouraged everyone in her awesome 'tough love' personality. I'm heart broken but the memories will always make me happy!

• 10/01/2021

  Larissa Nava

  I remember her saying I put a fire cracker under you last year and now I brought you up again room 38 misses you really much and so do I god bless and send prayer to you ~ your 5th grade now 6th grade student Larissa

• 10/01/2021

  Venice Hardy

  I don't have to tell anyone that Shelley was rare and beautiful. I feel very privileged to have been her colleague, and even more so to be considered among her friends. Shelley had a no-nonsense way in the classroom and I often teased her about "making the kids cry". But Shelley loved her kids and they knew it. Countless times, students shared their hardships, fears, or sorrows with her and she would say to me "I don't know what to do with that". I always told her "You've already done it. They came to you Shelley because you make them feel safe and important. They knew you'd listen, and they know you care." Shelley taught much more than math in her class, and every one of her students and all of us are better for the times we shared with her. Love you Shelley. Venice Hardy Cesar Chavez Family

• 10/01/2021

  Jeremy Gutierrez

  Mama Gould .You were by far my best and favorite math teacher I ever had. You were the sweetest and funniest teacher I knew. I loved coming to your class first thing in the morning 1st period every day of 6th grade. You were upfront and real with us, yet with a kind heart. & i loved your humor. I Never got a "ZEROOOO" and had fun coloring our math illustrations with the "crappy crayons"! You made an impact on my life and I am happy to have had you as my teacher. & even when I moved on to high school I enjoyed being around you and love to come back to visit. I Am A Senior Now, I Love you Mama Gould. You Will Always be in our hearts. -Jeremy Gutierrez (Former student 2008)

• 10/01/2021

  Kami Tomberlain

  Shelley Gould was a wonderful lady. I loved her fiercely--her no-nonsense ways, her caring heart, her sense of humor. Everyone learned in her room--about math, about responsibility, and life. When I had the good fortune to work with her at CCMS, I valued her smile, her vitality, her get-it-done attitude. Love you, Shelley.

• 10/01/2021

  Jennifer Thomas Carini

  Shelley was an incredible colleague and friend. I will miss her very much, as will many students and colleagues that will remember her with much love. -Jennifer Carini

• 10/01/2021

  Janet Sierra

  I will miss you Shelley. So honored to have known you. I will always remember your straight forward attitude and how you taught me your way to make paper copies and not use the &#!$ computer way! You inspire me to forge on in my teaching career. Janet Sierra

• 10/01/2021

  Sonia M DL

  Sorry to hear of Shelley's passing... She made me feel appreciated every time I was at Kitayama to help with NWEA. Always greeted me with, "Oh good you're here!" I could see her students always well behaved and eager to please Ms. Gould. May you rest in peace.

• 10/01/2021

  Cherie Barnecut

  Each time Shelley & I would pass one another at school there was a greeting and often a moment of sharing something happening in the day. I loved her direct ways, honesty & wisdom gained through years of teaching. You will be missed! So thankful to have worked with you.

• 10/01/2021

  Megumi Sunahara

  Thank you Mama Gould for the fun time in math class in 6th grade. I always loved that you made math fun and even worried for me when my class schedule changed to make sure I knew when I had her class at a different period of the day. Thanks for the recommendation of taking the test to skip pre algebra and go straight into algebra 1, without that I wouldn't have been able to take even better math classes later on in high school. Thanks for the candy on tests too! That made me happy getting a good grade on my tests. Currently a freshman in college, thanks for everything Mama Gould!