I received a tweet tonight that said that one of our faithful readers, and a frequent commenter on this site, whom I knew only as Kathy 1, had died very unexpectedly.
Her name, I learned from the tweet, was Kathy DuPuis.
This was the tweet: “We lost a good friend and warrior for public education this week. She came home from a long trip, tired and worn out, logged onto her computer and commented on a Diane Ravitch blog.”
Her last comment was October 17 at 5:12 pm. She commented on a post about President Obama’s Disappointing Response, a form letter written to one of us. She wrote: “President Obama can’t say teachers don’t care.”
Farewell, Kathy 1. Your voice will be missed. I hope President Obama heard you. We did.
Diane Ravitch's blog 
She was awesome! Never met her in person, only through Facebook and blogs, but she was a friend of children, teachers, and education.
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☼ She lives now in all of us and everyone she touched ☼
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I’m sorry for her family at home and our public school teacher family.
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Very sad news.
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It is amazing to me, perhaps because I remember when there was nothing like a blog, how even in the so-called anonymity of the cyber world we have developed relationships and gained support and encouragement from one another. I will send prayers for her family and friends. I just addressed and stamped another letter to the White House with a copy of Students Last’s letter, “In Memory Of Kathy 1”.
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Thank you. A fine tribute to a fine woman. Rest assured, Kathy … we will not give up.
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She will be missed. Her voice mattered and made a difference.
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Not only a true lady but a tireless fighter for education…I am honored to have known Kathy and blessed for that…I can only hope that her fervor for the cause will continue on in each one of us…you are missed Kathy!
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As Vice-president of Louisiana Association of Educators, I can say proudly that Kathy was a tireless gladiator in the education arena. She often made us laugh but more often she awed us all. She never let any of us forget that we are professionals, including those who would stomp on us. She gave John White and Governor Jindal a good “calling down” as only a professional teacher can and made us remember to hold our heads up high because we are the best Louisiana has to offer our children. We miss her greatly. RIP Kathy, our dear friend.
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I didn’t know her personally, but recognized her as a fellow Louisiana teacher fighting the good fight for public school teachers and students. Her voice here will be missed.
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Kathy DuPuis filled my inbox with great resources and conversations, mostly about the dire situation in Louisiana. Although I never met her personally, I feel like I knew her well, and am stunned and sorrowful that she is gone. An inspiration for all of us.
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She made her presence known and stood up for her beliefs. Kathy was a friend and a fighter. Many of us, including myself, never met her in person yet still called her friend. I want to go out like that. Well done, Kathy! Education has lost a champion…
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May you rest knowing that we will continue the fight. You and your comments will truly be missed.
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Thank you, Diane, for helping us remember a valued member of our online community.
🙂
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Kathy Dupuis was one the best. Her voice will sorely be missed among education activists! Her persistent and positive attitude in the midst of all of this was a model for all of us to follow. Thank you, Diane, for taking time to honor her. She was truly warrior for children!
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A smart contributor and a true champion of the cause….my condolences to family and friends.
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So sad 😦 Goodbye Kathy! Thank you for fighting!! We will miss you.
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Now that you are in heaven, petition God about this problem please. Children held a special place in Jesus’s heart.
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