Dear Friends and Family,

As many of you already know, my dear friend, Maria Lazor, lost her husband, Mike, to a sudden severe illness, almost two months ago. In Mike’s last couple of weeks, Maria taught her class by day and then would race to the hospital to sit by Mike's bedside until late at night, while they exchanged hand squeezes and tears. Mike was intubated but Maria would play his favorite songs, pray for him and assure him how much she loved him. Maria believed in her heart that Mike would pull through. This loss has been overwhelming to Maria and their three sons. My heart aches to see her bear such loss of her beloved Mike. Mike and Maria were inseparable. Maria has truly lost her best friend.

I’ve known Maria for over 16 years (she has worked for our district for 25 years!) and I was blessed to have her, as my classroom assistant, for four years. I watched as she juggled home life and school and became a teacher at King Middle School. Since she began teaching, she has completed her Master’s Degree and has started the first Middle School Best Buddies program in our district.

I love Maria so much and want to help take some of the financial burden off of her. (She was set to teach summer school but had to decline once she lost Mike). Maria is beyond grateful to all who helped with the first GoFundMe. It was a tremendous help with funeral expenses, but I’m hoping we can do more.

My friend and SBCUSD Board Member, Mary Ellen Abilez Grande and I have been in contact. Mary Ellen is also heartbroken for Maria and suggested we post another Gofundme.

I think Mary Ellen’s words say it best:

“Many of us first heard of Maria LaZor during the darkest days of the COVID-19 pandemic. A devoted special education teacher in San Bernardino County, Maria didn’t stop teaching—not even when her circumstances seemed impossible. With her own three children also learning remotely, Maria set up a camping tent in her backyard, powered by a generator, and turned it into a classroom for her students. Her dedication was so inspiring, it made the news on FOX 11 Los Angeles. Maria showed us what love, commitment, and selflessness look like. Today, Maria and her children need our help. Her beloved husband recently passed away, leaving Maria as the sole provider for their three children. The emotional and financial weight of this loss is heavy—and we have an opportunity to lift her up, just as she’s lifted up so many students and families over the years. Maria never asked for recognition. She simply did what needed to be done—for her family, for her students, and for our community. Now we have a chance to show her she’s not alone. If you can give, please do. If you can share this page, please do.”

Mary Ellen and I would ask that you please join us in continuing to help support one of our own.

We sincerely thank you.

Heather and Mary Ellen

Video of Maria on Fox 11

https://www.foxla.com/video/840722