Tree planted at Fairview/Jewell Elementary in memory of Diana Gunnels

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

Friends, family, and CCISD staff members gathered to remember and honor Diana Gunnels.

Gunnels worked for almost 30 years with the Copperas Cove Independent School District as a paraprofessional before succumbing to cancer and passing May 28, 2022. On Wednesday at 3:45 p.m., a dedication and memorial were held at Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary School which they held near the burr oak tree planted in her honor.

In front of the tree lies a plaque with Diana Gunnels name on it, featuring a giraffe, her favorite animal. During the memorial, school librarian Cristine Ragland read an excerpt from the book “Giraffes Can’t Dance” which has been dedicated to the Fairview/Miss Jewell Elementary library in Gunnels’ honor.

“We originally contacted the park, but since she was an employee for so long, they suggested this would be a good place to plant the tree,” said Andrea Boen. Boen said that the campus chose the location for the tree so that years from now, the oak will be able to provide shade to teachers and students for years to come.

Gunnels helped by working with special education students, as a library aide, and as a counselor.

“She touched a lot of kids’ lives and adults too,” said Catherine Boone. “She was very friendly and caring.”

Gunnels and her friends, Mildred Ladouceur, Andrea Boen, and Catherine Boone were considered by many to be the four amigos

Mildred Ladouceur recalled how the four would meet, mask and all, even throughout Covid at least once a month.

“Our friendship never stopped,” said Ladouceur. “We were not going to be isolated. We were determined not to let [Covid] stop us…It meant a lot to her…That’s our fondest memory—us meeting during Covid.”

“She was an amazing sister,” recalled Tammy McClintock. Diana Gunnels was the oldest of four siblings, and McClintock is the youngest. “Diana was probably her happiest when she was in a quiet room with a book.”

McClintock said that her sister loved her job at the school and loved all the students.

During the memorial, Boen described Gunnels saying, “She was kind, she was gentle…She was a person who just accepted people the way they were. She never had a negative thing to say. She was always just very supportive.”

“She battled cancer, and she battled cancer, and she battled cancer, and a lot of people didn’t know,” said Boen. She talked about how, despite her struggles and the chronic pain, Gunnels continued to come to work and that she always cared.

“I hope this tree memorializes the endless love that Diana had for others and for education,” concluded Boen.

“She was a very kind, sweet-hearted person,” said Gary Boen, echoing the sentiment of everyone in attendance.

CCISD staff and friends shared stories about how much she loved to be around the children and how versatile she was and how she was able to adapt to a variety of tasks around the school. They talked about how Gunnels was the embodiment of kindness, a valued friend, and someone who will be missed dearly.