A beloved Martin Murphy Middle School teacher was involved in a fatal single-car accident while on her way to work early morning Jan. 20, according to a press release from Morgan Hill Unified School District.
Mary Francis, a seventh grade science teacher at Martin Murphy, died after the vehicle she was driving collided with a fallen tree “in the early morning darkness, during the rainstorm,” according to district staff.
Francis, 61, of Monterey, was traveling on a road near her home in a heavily forested area when her vehicle struck the tree, according to district staff.
“Morgan Hill Unified School District community is mourning the loss of a dedicated educator and friend,” the Jan. 20 release states. “Known on campus for her enthusiastic passion for science, Ms. Francis played an integral part in helping students find their own passion for the subject.
“Throughout her more than 20 years of teaching, her love of learning never ceased and as science department chair, she was a strong and steady advocate for student achievement.”
The district will place grief counselors on the Martin Murphy campus next week to help support students and staff through the unexpected loss of one of its faculty. A temporary memorial will be placed at Martin Murphy’s Innovative Learning Center and students have been encouraged to write a note of remembrance as they work through the grieving process, according to district staff.
“Mary Francis truly cared for her students, and worked tirelessly to help ensure them the best possible school experience,” Martin Murphy principal Alex Aasen said. “Our school is far better for her having taught here. We will miss her tremendously.”
Francis is survived by her son and daughter-in-law.
