The Antioch Unified School District is mourning the loss of one of their own after Cindy Kronquist passed away over the weekend after a short fight against cancer.
Kronquist was battling an “inoperable and aggressive brain tumor” and a GoFundMe account was started to assist the family and had raised more than $15,900 since its September 1 launch date by Kathy Burk.
According to the District, Cindy Kronquist began her career within the Antioch Unified school District at Sutter Elementary School in 1988 and has spent her entire career at the school. During the time, she has taught 2nd grade, 4th grade, and 5th grade, however, a majority of her years were in kindergarten.
Principal Debra Harrington stated since 1988, at least 1/3 of their 605 students were in her classroom while others knew her as a result of her ability to pull together the kindergarten teachers and classes were a close group sharing field trips, bowl-a-thons, Halloween parade, Thanksgiving feast, Christmas sing-a-long, annual Christmas visit and sing-a-long to Cyprus Meadows and an end of the year celebration together.
“All of these events had almost 100% parent involvement each year,” said Harrington. “Cindy was known for involving parents in the classroom and school activities. She also shared her love for Hawaii with a theme classroom, quiet ukulele music playing while students work and held a luau at the end of the year. Many years the luau included a roasted pig and all the fixings.”
She added that one parent aptly put it when she said , “As parents, we were pulled into her vortex.” Cindy always had a large group of parents helping in the classroom daily. Friday were “cooking” days. Parents contributed food based on the letter of the week then food based on a country they were studying. Great food was always shared among students, parents and other staff members.
“She had a vivacious spirit that has touched numerous lives. She was fast paced, energetic, and always laughing. When a student got an answer correct or contributed to the discussion she often told kids to “kiss your brain” as a way to encourage positive self-esteem,” said Harrington. “It was her ability to connect to others and bring laughter into our lives that made her so special to all of us.”
Kathryn Dexheimer, who worked with Kronquist stated she lost a dear friend who had been a colleague of hers for 12-year.
“Cindy was one of the first people I met at Sutter when I started working there. I remember my early days working with Cindy helping her learn new things on the computer that she was struggling to learn. Eventually she got pretty darn good at using that computer,” explained Dexheimer. “I remember her blasting her Hawaiian music in the room adjacent to mine so loud my students would get distracted and I would just smile and say it’s ok, it’s just Mrs. Kronquist pretending she’s in Hawaii again. What I remember and will miss the most however is her bright and infectious spirit. Her cheery morning greeting of, “Good morning Sunshine.”
She added she Kronquist was one of the most genuine and honest people she has had the pleasure of knowing.
According to the District, grief counselors were available Monday for staff and students.
8 comments
Praying for her family..she taught 3 of my children in kindergarten one of which graduated from high school earlier this year. She was an awesome teacher and really cared for her students!
I didn’t have the pleasure of being one of her students during my Sutter school days but I certainly knew who she was. You can tell what teachers are fun and amazing people and Mrs. Kronquist certainly was. She will be missed.
Love to you Cindy, her BFF BECKY AND HER FAMILY ???
R.I.P. to a lovely lady. Too sad. Heartfelt prayers and thoughts to Mrs. Kronquist’s family.
Cindy was such a sweet and caring person. She touched the lives of so many people more than she ever knew. She was not just a school teacher but a life teacher. She will be missed dearly and will live on in the cherished memories of those who knew and loved her.
I rarely leave comments on news posts, but Ms. Kronquist was my teacher 25 years ago and I still have find memories of her. I remember her name over the names of many other teachers between then and now. Mostly because she took the time to figure out why I hard a hard time learning and address the problem with her kind sensibilities instead off glazing over it like many others would have. She will be missed by many, but more so by the many children who have will never have the luck to be taught in her class room and the parents who will never get to grow along side their children with her help.
She was my Teacher 25 years ago. Best teacher ever. Cindy will be missed dearly..
My sincere condolences go to Cindy’s family and to her family of fellow educators at Sutter Elementary School. While the overwhelming sadness of her untimely passing will remain, may her joyous life inspire all to continue their journeys of living and learning with tenderness and laughter, with kindness and heart, with dedication and perseverance. I am truly sorry for your loss.
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