Published in the September 17, 2015 edition
THE LITTLE SCHOOL DRIVEWAY has been renamed Peach Parkway in memory of the late Thea Peach, a longtime employee at the school who passed away earlier this year. On hand for the dedication ceremony were Thea’s husband Don Peach, (standing to left of the sign), Principal Christine Molle, center, front row and Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly, front row, far right, surrounded by the rest if the Little School staff. (Bob Turosz Photo)
By BOB TUROSZ
NORTH READING — The Little School community was greatly saddened last March when Thea Peach, who worked at the school for many years as a computer paraprofessional, passed away at the age of 54.
Peach was a “beloved member of our staff and was loved by all who knew her,” said Little School Principal Christine Molle. And so it was fitting that on the first day of school last week for teachers and staff, a simple but touching ceremony was held at the school to unveil a green and gold sign in the school’s driveway, naming it Peach Parkway in Thea’s memory.
“While we will always remember her kind and gentle demeanor, we will never forget the warrior she became as she fought a long and courageous battle” against cancer, said Molle.
Naming the driveway in Peach’s honor was made possible by a generous donation from the Pagliuca family at the school’s annual auction, “and will allow us to come to work each day and be reminded of the beautiful person that was Thea Peach,” Molle explained. The sign will remain in place for at least the next two school years.
In addition to Molle, those attending the ceremony included Thea’s husband Donald, Assistant Superintendent Dr. Patrick Daly and, it seemed, nearly all of the Little School’s faculty and staff.
Don Peach had the honor of unveiling the sign.
“I know if she were here today she would smile and tell us to enjoy life and not to sweat the small stuff. I think this will be a wonderful reminder and a great way for us to begin our day at the Little School,” said Molle. A wonderful way for children and adults to remember a woman who made a difference in their lives.
