In Loving Memory of Maria and Donald Nunney
The Cleveland education community is grieving the devastating loss of Maria Nunney, 50, and her husband, Donald Nunney, 55, both longtime and deeply respected educators in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Their sudden passing has left students, colleagues, and friends heartbroken, as the district and wider community reflect on the lives of two people who dedicated themselves to shaping young minds and enriching the lives of countless families.
Dedicated Lives in Education
Maria and Donald were not just teachers—they were mentors, leaders, and advocates who believed wholeheartedly in the power of education to change lives. For decades, both of them poured their time, energy, and passion into their classrooms, inspiring generations of students to reach for their potential.
Maria, known for her compassion and creativity, was admired by her peers and students for the way she approached teaching with warmth and innovation. She had a unique gift for making every student feel seen and valued, often going beyond the lesson plan to help young people build confidence in themselves. Her classroom was a place of encouragement and growth, where students not only learned but also discovered their own strengths.
Donald, equally devoted to his craft, was known as a steady, reliable, and motivating presence within the school district. He brought wisdom and humor to his work, encouraging students to think critically and never give up, even in the face of challenges. His colleagues remember him as a team player, someone who was always willing to lend a helping hand and mentor newer teachers. His impact stretched far beyond academics—he instilled resilience, responsibility, and a sense of purpose in those he taught.
A Partnership in Life and Work
Together, Maria and Donald embodied the essence of partnership—not only as husband and wife but also as partners in their shared mission to serve students. Their love for each other was evident to all who knew them, and their shared commitment to education reflected their belief in making the world a better place, one student at a time. They supported each other’s work, celebrated each other’s successes, and touched lives in ways that will never be forgotten.
A Community in Mourning
The loss of both Maria and Donald has left a profound emptiness within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Fellow educators describe them as pillars of the community—professionals who gave tirelessly of themselves and who treated every child who walked through their classroom doors as if they were their own.
Parents and students have shared heartfelt tributes, remembering the Nunneys not just as teachers, but as mentors, confidants, and role models. Former students have spoken of how Maria and Donald’s guidance shaped their careers, their outlook on life, and their belief in themselves.
Grief counselors and support staff have been made available to help students and colleagues process the tragedy, as the district comes together to honor the couple’s extraordinary legacy.
Carrying Forward Their Legacy
Though the loss is immeasurable, the lives Maria and Donald lived serve as a shining example of dedication, kindness, and love. Their story is one of service—of showing up every day for their students, their colleagues, and their community.
As the Cleveland education community mourns, there is also a commitment to carry forward the values Maria and Donald represented: to nurture students with patience and compassion, to lead with integrity, and to create opportunities for young people to thrive.
The Nunneys leave behind not only a grieving community but also a legacy of hope and inspiration. Their names will be remembered in classrooms, in the lives of students they helped transform, and in the continued efforts of those who follow in their footsteps.
Maria and Donald Nunney will be deeply missed, forever cherished, and always remembered as educators who gave their all—for their students, for their community, and for each other.
