Jacqueline Sills was a UFT member for 41 years, most recently as the dean at PS 721 in Brooklyn working with special needs students. She began her career as a paraprofessional before becoming a teacher. She was the leader at her school for Respect for All, a NYC Department of Education initiative which combats harassment and promotes diversity and unity. Jacqueline was an ordained interfaith minister and was ordained by One Spirit Alliance in 2009. She liked to play cards and loved all genres of music.

Vincent Jones taught at the Satellite Academy High School, at the Forsyth Street campus. There, he helped provide at-risk students who opted out of traditional high schools an opportunity to complete their education in a smaller, student-centered learning community. He was a UFT member for over 30 years. Vincent is survived by his wife, Elizabeth Andersen.

Heather Purcell was a UFT member for 30 years, working extensively with special needs children. She most recently taught at PS 38 in Queens. Heather is survived by her son, James Walker, and her daughter-in-law, Artesia Walker.

Lorraine Riddick was a paraprofessional at PS 308 in Brooklyn. She started as a substitute before she was hired full-time. Lorraine attended Medgar Evers College before her career in education.

Doreen Maniscalco was a UFT member for over 30 years, working as a teacher in various elementary schools on Staten Island. She loved to sing and volunteered her singing voice at nursing homes, church choirs and activities, weddings and funerals, and parties. Doreen enjoyed extensive traveling and was a copious reader.

Carrolyn Williams taught exceptional children and worked as a guidance counselor. She also trained teachers in substance abuse education. Highly educated, she held a BA from North Carolina Central University, a Master’s in Education from City College of New York and a PhD in Psychology from New York University. Dr. Williams was a Maryknoll Affiliate and represented Maryknoll at the United Nations where she was also a volunteer in the NGO Branch championing women rights, child soldiers and AIDS. She is survived by her son, Jon Dean Williams, a granddaughter, Stephanie D.

Sylvia Vogel started her career at PS 105 in Brooklyn. She was well-respected by her colleagues and known for her ability to respectfully handle discipline problems when others couldn't. Sylvia ended her career as a guidance counselor at PS 200 in Brooklyn after over 20 years of teaching. She was very proud to be a UFT, NYSUT and AFT member and it thrilled her that her daughter and her grandson followed in her footsteps. She was a lifetime learner, avid reader, crocheted and kept in touch with former colleagues through letters.

Myrna Friedlander began her career as a 2nd-grade teacher at PS 167 in Brooklyn before becoming a reading teacher. She was a chapter leader at her school and later became the District Assessment Liaison in District 17. Myrna was a mentor to many and tirelessly devoted to her students. In all, she was a UFT member for over 40 years and a fervent supporter of the union.

Alan Weber was a UFT member for 54 years and a longtime 5th-grade teacher at PS 23 on Staten Island. He was also the school's science fair coordinator. Alan was a UFT chapter leader in Brooklyn before his transfer to Staten Island. He is survived by his wife Sheila, son Manny and daughter Cyma.

Suzane Hamberry was a UFT member for 25 years, most recently as a school psychologist. A Canadian by birth, she lived in Brooklyn and is remembered as an advocate for children. She’s survived by her daughter, Amy Orr, and her grandchildren, Gaia Rose and Schuyler.