An advocate for both students and teachers, Ms. Coleman fought hard against her battle with cancer for years before her passing.

On Saturday Feb. 8, the Parkdale community lost one of its most dedicated and beloved English teachers, Ms. Marina Coleman, who passed away at the age of 71 after a courageous battle with a rare and aggressive cancer. Ms. Coleman, who began her teaching career later in life,  had been teaching in the Parkdale since 2017, bringing with her an unwavering commitment to student success and a spirit of generosity that touched the lives of students and faculty alike.

Ms. Coleman’s teaching career began in New York in 2016 before she made the move to Parkdale. Known for her strict yet caring approach, she pushed students to excel, ensuring they had the necessary skills to thrive beyond high school.

“She was so patient with me despite all my tantrums,” said a senior, who wished to remain anonymous.  

Coming from a Christian school background, Ms. Coleman emphasized respect, discipline, and academic rigor, which some students mistook for sternness at times. However, beneath her firm exterior was a deep-seated desire to see her students succeed. 

Ms. Immaculate Masamba, a fellow English teacher, recalled, “She always wanted students to know their history, and she made an effort to find materials outside the curriculum to supplement her teaching. She wanted students to put in their best so they could be competitive in the outside world.”  Ms. Masamba had the pleasure of working alongside Ms. Coleman as a co-teacher in her English 10 classes for several years.

Beyond the classroom, Ms. Coleman was a pillar of support for her fellow teachers. She was selfless, always ready to assist new and seasoned educators alike, sharing resources, making extra copies, and offering guidance to those navigating the challenges of teaching.

“She was very receptive to her coworkers,” said Ms. Masamba. “To the new ones, she welcomed and made their transition easy by helping where she could. She provided materials, made extra copies, and shared educational resources with her colleagues.”

Her interactions with administrators were marked by honesty and determination. She was never afraid to voice her concerns, particularly about the evolving curriculum and its impact on students. She passionately advocated for content that would uplift rather than instill fear, especially in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She was so bothered by the content of the curriculum that she wrote to the developers, asking for more uplifting content,” Ms. Masamba recounted. Even when she doubted that the curriculum writers would listen to her because, as she put it, “I have no PhD,” Ms. Coleman wrote to them anyway because the students’ best interest was her top priority.

Even when faced with the news that her cancer had returned and the odds were stacked against her, Ms. Coleman pushed forward and committed herself to her students.  She signed on for another school year this year despite the physical challenges and mental tolls of the status of her cancer, hoping to continue teaching despite the difficult news, always putting her students first.

Ms. Coleman’s presence was not only felt in her professional life but also in her personal passions. A lover of the arts, she enjoyed visiting museums, attending musical performances, and even inspired colleagues to pick up new hobbies. Her enthusiasm for sewing, for instance, encouraged others to take up the craft. She loved walking, gardening, and making connections with people of all ages, leaving a lasting impression on everyone she met.

Her impact at Parkdale was profound.  In addition to being an English teacher, Ms. Coleman was also the co-sponsor of Parkdale’s Book Club where she would engage in literary chats with students about various texts while they enjoyed snacks and treats she would provide for the club. 

As a teacher, Ms. Coleman believed in equipping students with the foundational skills they needed to be strong writers and communicators. Recognizing the gaps in grammar and writing conventions, she took it upon herself to introduce a structured writing program to help students refine their skills.

“She would pull me out of class and had these graph diagrams on where to put stuff,” the senior stated. “[I admit] it was annoying at first, but now I know how much it helped me.” 

Ms. Coleman was also known for her storytelling, which could turn even the saddest tales into moments of laughter.  Ms. Masamba recalled that she had a very particular and inviting way of letting both students and colleagues in.

“I see her swaying side-to-side like a professional dancer on stage, face turned at an angle with a coy look, one hand on her hip and the other pointing, letting out a good laugh, ‘You go girl,’ in a staccato rhythm,”  she explained.

Above all, Ms. Coleman was a giver. She lived for her children and her mother, always putting the needs of others before her own. Her generosity knew no bounds. If she sensed someone needed something, she would go out of her way to provide it, whether it was a meal, a resource, or simply a kind word.

As we bid farewell to Ms. Coleman, we remember her as more than just an educator. She was a mentor, a friend, and an advocate for excellence. Her legacy will live on in the countless students she inspired and the colleagues she supported.

Rest in peace, Ms. Coleman. You were truly one of a kind.