Delayed Opening To Remember Bristol Township Teacher

BRISTOL TOWNSHIP, PA —Brookwood Elementary School will operate on a two-hour delay Tuesday to allow for the mourning of longtime faculty member Donna Baker.

The Bristol Township School District announced the delay of school to give Brookwood staff and students the opportunity to attend services for Baker, who died unexpectedly on Sunday, April 2, after a brief illness.

Her death has left the school community "shocked and saddened," school officials said.

The school district said the 54-year-old Baker was known for being "a caring and compassionate educator, who always had the best interests of her students in mind. To her colleagues, she was a trusted friend and mentor, who always had time to provide support, guidance, or assistance."

Baker began her tenure with the Bristol Township School District as a substitute teacher in 1998.

She became a teacher of Language Arts/Literacy at FDR Middle School in 2001, where she taught until 2005.

In 2005, Baker moved to Buchanan Elementary School, and then joined the 4th-grade team at Brookwood Elementary School, where she has served her students since the school opened.

"Donna believed that teachers have three loves: the love of learning, the love of learners, and the love of bringing the first two loves together," her fellow 4th-grade faculty team members shared. "As a loyal friend who was selfless in relationships with family, friends and students, she always put others first. Donna was a beloved team member who always gave and asked for little in return. She had a special place in her heart for every single one of her students. She cared and worried for them as if they were her own son or daughter. Donna will always be in our hearts and a part of the Bristol Township School District family."

"As a valued member of ‘A Tribe Called 4th,’ Donna's infectious smile and laughter will be missed throughout the halls of Brookwood," Principal Jacqueline Cubberly said. "She was known for her pens of many colors and sizes; students will always remember her extraordinary collection. Fiercely loyal to colleagues and students, Donna will forever be missed and always remembered."

A viewing will be held from 8:30-10:30 a.m. Tuesday at Wade Funeral Home, 1002 Radcliffe St., Bristol. Mass takes place at 11 a.m. at St. Mark's Church, 1025 Radcliffe St., Bristol.

Because of the impact the services will have on the operations of the school, as many staff and students wish to attend, Brookwood Elementary School —and only Brookwood —will operate on a two-hour delay, school officials said.

Doors will open at 11:05 a.m. for all students with 11:20 a.m. the official start of the school day.

First lunch will begin at 11:30 a.m. There will be no breakfast served Tuesday.

"We appreciate everyone's support and understanding as we navigate this difficult time," Superintendent Michael Nitti stated. "Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with all of those who were fortunate to know and work with Mrs. Baker."

According to her obituary, Donna L. (Zazzarino) Baker died Sunday, April 2, with her family by her side.

Born in Bristol and raised in the Kenwood section of Levittown, Baker was a resident of Montgomery County for the past 18 years.

She graduated from Bishop Conwell High School, Class of 1986, Holy Family University, and received her master's degree from Gratz College in Philadelphia.

She was an avid runner and participated in four marathons, enjoyed going to the dog park on weekends, journaling, cooking, and making homemade pasta.

Baker was also a true crime junkie, enjoyed listening to crime podcasts, and watching the ID channel, but most especially, she cherished the time spent with her children and attending all of their activities, her obituary said.

Baker is survived by her children: Lily, Aidan and Liam; her husband, Matthew; her parents, James and Anita (nee O'Connor) Zazzarino; and her sister, Christine Zazzarino. She is also survived by her uncles, Dr. Dominic Zazzarino and Gerald O'Connor; her cousins: Gregory Zazzarino, Andrea O'Connor, and Gabrielle Squillante, along with many other family and friends.

Interment is private. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Baker's children.

Checks can be made payable to Ameriprise Financial and forwarded to Christine Zazzarino or mailed to Ameriprise Financial, Attention Fish & Associates, 1105 Laurel Oak Road, Vorhees, NJ 08043.