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Isadora J. Seibert
Foundation
Stories about Isadora
listed from the earliest to the most recently shared
If you have a story that you would like to share,
please send it to us via our "contact" page.
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"I would like to share with you a memory that Ms. Seibert and I shared. Freshman year, I had the privilege of having Ms. Seibert as my biology teacher. Each classroom had a tank of fish. Ms. Seibert took the best care of her fish and she had the nicest tank. I am a crazy animal person and I felt that the fish next door was not being cared for. I told Ms. Seibert that this was making me upset. She then came up with a wonderful idea! That day, after we finished learning, our class kidnapped (or fishnapped) that fish and left a ransom note! Ever since that day, I knew that Ms. Seibert would always be my favorite teacher in the whole school."
From:
Megan Jones, Governor Livingston High School graduate...
"Ms. Seibert was literally my favorite high school teacher. She was always so kind, sweet, and understanding. She had a poster for The Hunger Games in her classroom, (we became automatic friends). She was such a good teacher, that she inspired me to love anatomy and want to become a nurse! Even though I actually will not be entering that field, her great teaching skills and sweet spirit can shine through my initial feeling to become a nurse. She was amazing! The world is a little worse without her."
From:
Peter Erard...
"Dear Seibert Family, I am extremely sorry for the loss of Isadora. Being lucky enough to hear about her through Hilton and my brother, Ian Erard, as well as meeting her once, I felt heartbroken when the news came. I was initially going to donate money to fund her scholarship. Instead of donating to the fund, I have decided to volunteer at a local middle school and high school teaching Math and Science in her honor; and also to celebrate her life."
From:
Jack Altomonte, Governor Livingston High School graduate...
"I just want to say I am so sorry for your loss, she will be missed. Isadora was my Biology teacher. She was the best teacher I could have ever asked for. Besides being an amazing teacher, she was truly an amazing person. She would greet everyone with a big smile everyday of class. She loved all, and hated none. That is a quality that I wish everyone could possess. I wish I could rewind time and just talk to her for a minute and tell her how grateful I am for her never being judgmental and for continuing to inspire me and so many others to be kinder and happier like she was. I will never forget her, she was truly one of the best people I have ever had the pleasure to know, even if it was only for a short period of time. However, life is not measured in years. It is measured in how many people we can touch along the way. I'd say Isadora lived equivalent to one hundred life times with all the people she has inspired to be better people. I refuse to think of her as gone. Because she is not really gone, she is just in a much better place. Therefore, I will see her again. So my goodbye is more of a 'see you later'... Thank you and again I am very sorry about your loss. I am keeping you all in my prayers."
From:
Lisa Dhaibar -- Isadora's friend & mentor at GL...
"I sent Is a card in the mail one day. It had a collage of rainbow colored butterflies all over the front. What I wrote in the card is below, and sums up my feelings about Is and the magnetic personality she always expressed.I thought this was a pretty card -- it reminded me of you, and how pretty you are on the inside and out. Then it got me to thinking...I'm going all 'science' on you for a minute, but stick with it! In chaos theory, the butterfly effect says that a small change at one place in a system can result in large differences in a later state. The effect was coined by Edward Lorenz when he said a hurricane's formation can be contingent on whether or not a distant butterfly had flapped its wings several weeks earlier. (As the good teacher I claim to be, I'm citing this from Wikipedia!) So, basically two things: You're definitely someone I'd love to weather a hurricane with. Oh, wait -- we already have...haha! And second, in a lot of ways you've been a butterfly in my life. You have effected change in me, significantly, and everlastingly. You deserve to know that, and to know that I'll always be grateful for it. In return, I now wish to offer you 'MOJO'. ! In Link Crew this is support, friendship, caring, kindness -- all those hugs and rainbows things! I would like to think I've always given you some 'MOJO' -- from our first meeting until now, but this is some super-duper 'MOJO' for strength, power, positivity, and love. Use it to do whatever you wish! I miss you lots, and love you more. You're always just a wingflap away in my mind. Hugs and kisses, Lisa"
From:
Dr. Laura Sottile...
I have so many memories of conversations and moments with Dora and I am just her chiropractor. I think of them often and they make me sad and happy at the same time. But mostly happy because that is what Dora was about. I remember when she was going to Ramapo and I told her that I was going to drive there and back with her 10 times until she felt comfortable driving on the highway by herself. She didn't like to drive on the highway then. And when she was sick and she had a sore neck and she was only at school a short time. I asked her what she wanted from home and she said, "Really?? I want TINGA!" I said "Order it up and I will bring a piece of home to you and adjust you." Then I adjusted her on the coffee table from the lounge because her bed was too soft. Only for my Dora. I saw her and Hilton driving the old Mercedes into Taco Bell on Morris Ave. next to the Wine Library while I was next door at the bank. She said "I am going to eat and then come to get adjusted!" Everytime I am at the bank or passing that Taco Bell, I can see her in the car with Hilton. So happy to be with her brother. Loving and enjoying life. What a blessing. Just last summer at LBI when I heard my name and turned around and couldn't believe who was calling out to me! I was so surprised and happy to see that beautiful, smiling face. And I was straight off the beach with my mom. I said "Oh Dora you look so pretty and I am so dirty and smelly but I will hug you anyway!" In typical Dora fashion, she said "You always look great and you don't stink. Give me a hug!" We had so many "adult" deeper conversations about "boys" and life most recently. When she got her job at Governor Livingston, I wanted to make sure she met my dad's cousin Ricky who had worked there for a long time. I wanted her to have a friendly face when she started her new job. Like everyone else, Ricky, who likes very few people, just thought Dora was fantastic. I said "I told you. She is extraordinary in every way!"
From:
Lindsay Oliner...
I am so, so sorry to hear about Isadora's passing. She and I lost touch as we grew up but her friendship is the kind that sticks with you, even many years later. She was always kind, patient and full of laughter. My time spent growing up with her has always been one of those warm childhood memories that is cherished and protected. She will remain in a special place in my heart - never forgotten.
From:
Jean DePasquale...
I only had the pleasure of meeting Isadora one time but I remember her well. This website clearly exhibits what a bright light she was. Knowing her Mom and Dad, I'm not surprised at what a wonderful young woman she was and how many people's lives she had such a positive influence on. Just looking at these photos I can see her free spirit and know it will live on.
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
I was a student of Miss Seibert's. She was an awesome teacher for the three or four months I was lucky enough to have her as my teacher. She made bio fun and interesting. I was happy to be in her class. I was really learning things. I was happy to come to class each day and Miss Seibert always put a smile on my face. In the beginning of class, I thought I would not enjoy it and I would hate it. Miss Seibert changed my mind for the better. Because of her passing, I feel like it is my obligation to obtain my Eagle Scout. I feel like I made a promise to her that I will try and succeed to get my Eagle Scout. Miss Seibert changed my life for the better. She was an inspiration to all, including me. She was loved by every student in her class. I have a quote to share. I want to inspire people. I want someone to look at me and say "because of you, I didn't give up." I would be the person to say that because she really changed my life. Now, I will try my best in everything. Thank you, Miss Seibert. I WILL CONTINUE TO CARRY ON YOUR PASSION AND LOVING AND CARING FOR PEOPLE TO THE BEST OF MY ABILTY.
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"I had many positive memories with Ms. Seibert last year as a freshmen. Even though she did not know me by name, I distinctly remember running into her in bio class as she shared the room with my teacher. She complimented me on doing the musical and the fact that she had such a nice outlook on the arts and a hunger to care for everyone around her made my day. I had a great experience with her as the environmental club advisor, she was so passionate about making a difference in our community it made me so happy to have such a positive role model. Her passion for the environment inspired me to run for a e-board position for environmental club for next year. She put a smile on everybody's face and any time I would see her in the hall, she would have nothing but a warm smile and a positive attitude. She was a fantastic addition to the GL community."
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"Dear Mr. and Mrs. Seibert,
I was one of the recipients of the Isadora Seibert Scholarship from Governor Livingston High School from this year's graduating class. I wanted to thank you for selecting me for this scholarship. I just finished my first week of college where I am studying to become a plant-based dietitian. Over the past week, I've been to a lot of club fairs and festivals on campus to see the different clubs and groups that my school has to offer. The other day, I passed by the environmental club tent and immediately thought back to my freshman year of high school when I joined the environmental club where Ms. Seibert was the adviser. Although I never had her as a teacher, I always looked forward to her bright smile and excitement on days when we had club meetings. Her energy and enthusiasm for the club inspired me to always be environmentally friendly. Even when we had to go around the school to pick up trash, she somehow made that exciting.
I will never forget my experiences with her from my freshman year at GL. Thank you again,
Julia"
From...Julia Gay, 2016 scholarship recipient
From:
Lenny Collins,
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"Teachers are great people that guide us in our road of education. They prep us with the knowledge that we need to make a living in the future. There will always be, that one teacher, that you will have a solid connection with and they make life a lot simpler. It's like a puzzle, there are some teachers that don't fit, and there are some that fit perfectly. That one teacher that has personally made my high school year simpler was Ms. Seibert. Ms. Seibert was my biology teacher in freshman year. I remember waiting outside that door for school to begin, and then rushing in all excited and chipper to learn. Her style of teaching was so easy to follow and she broke down a whole lot of material into easy instructions. Instead of boring lessons, she made quick and easy to follow powerpoints for everyone to read. That's what got my attention. She was so kind and caring towards her students. She wanted them to succeed and do well. She would not let anyone fail under her watch. She sat down and helped anyone in distress. Her patience and perseverance really showed me that anyone can succeed if they put their mind to it. As tennis season was coming up, I was pondering who would be the coach. The email from the head coach said that Ms. Seibert would be the new jv coach. I was ecstatic, and I bet she was, too! She made tennis practice a lot less complicated and that relieved a lot of stress I had about being one of the newbies on the team. With her coaching, cheering, and faith in me, I made it to the highest spot on jv. I started to doubt myself about being ahead of all the upperclassman. After a brief discussion with her, gosh, I remember she said something like 'You don't have to worry about a thing, you belong here, you showed everyone that no matter where you are on the totem pole, you still can make it to the top.' Then I realized, she exemplified the perfect example of a coach, thorough, always correcting people, and giving opportunities to people that deserve it. She helped me through thick and thin and I hope one day I can be a tennis coach as good as her. At the tennis banquet, she presented me with an award and said great things about me. I am thankful for those kind words to this day. She has made my life a whole lot simpler and I want to thank her for that. So thank you, Ms. Seibert, for teaching me. I am glad to have called myself one of your students and I am proud to have called you a coach. You are like a second mom to me, thank you for a wonderful freshman year, that I will always treasure."
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Teacher...
"I first met Isadora when she started teaching here at GL. In fact we met in the parking lot coming in to school. She was so happy to be teaching here and I was so glad she had arrived! Isadora was a blessing to my special needs students. She really brought science alive to them in a way no one else had been able to. They loved her 'hands-on' approach. She was a gift to them and to me. There is a song, 'The Prayer', and every time I have heard it in the last few months, I was reminded of Isadora."
From:
Meredith Morgan, a friend and teacher at Governor Livingston High School...
Thank you for being such a positive person who made the best of each and every situation. You taught us much in such a short time. You worked with a lot of highly opinionated people in the Science Department at GL. It goes with the territory. Science teachers (and scientists) are by definition people who strive to and believe they can analyze a situation. Sometimes our analysis and opinions get in the way of doing the right thing. You never let this happen. Your analysis was always on target, consciously recognizing the positive and the negative of any situation. But you always found the high road – a road that made the best of each and every situation. From taking over for a hastily removed teacher to teaching AP Bio at a moment’s notice to managing your illness, you made the best of it. You brought out and continue to bring out the best in us. One of the happiest memories of my life is the afternoon and evening (who knew you would be able to party so long!) you and our colleagues came to my house in December. Rationally we knew that it was perhaps the last time we could all gather together with you. Sadly, the rational part of us was correct. Nonetheless, it was a joyful gathering. We laughed, we played, we cried, we talked, we simply enjoyed being with you and you with us. Each and every one of us. You not only brought out the best in us, you brought us together, not just that evening, but all the days that preceded and followed that evening.Your friendship and influence and inspiration are with me now and will stay with me always. Since meeting you I have a new phrase in my repertoire: “What would Isadora do?” I am practicing pulling out that phrase when I need to make the best of a bad situation, when I need to find some joy during a time of sadness, and when things are simply going well and I just need to savor the moment. Life is good, but it is neither fair nor easy. I wish you could be with me here on earth for the rest of my days. But you are in my heart always. I love you Isadora!
From:
Aunt Cindy...
My name is Cindy Lowenthal and I am Dora's aunt. I think about Dora all the time and as I sit here in tears, I thought I would share a little piece of my experience with this amazing human being. I think when she was born; she came out of the womb smiling because for the next 25 years I never saw her without one. Even during her illness, when others would weep, she would smile and try to cheer us up. She was smart, funny, charming, loyal, kind and caring but I’m sure most of you know that already. When she was a baby, I would babysit occasionally for Hilton and Dora..Oh, the fun we had! We would laugh and play and when it was nap time, we would watch my favorite soap opera together and all fall asleep in her parent’s big bed. As she got older and her personality grew, she became a loving, sweet, wonderful girl. She had what they call in Hollywood the “IT” factor. She had the whole package and when she walked into a room, the whole place lit up! You just knew you would laugh and have fun when Dora was around. She loved her family very much, including her extended family; grandparents, aunts and uncles, and all of her cousins. We would spend every holiday together, always looking forward to our family time. Dora would come in all bubbly and full of life carrying one of her delicious treats that she often made for us (one of her many talents). Dora was often my partner in the games we played during those precious moments, We all wanted to do something together, so Dora would rally the family up (even the ones who didn't want to play). Party Lines was my favorite. We had to answer questions and then guess who's answer it was, (even the ones in the family who didn't want to play but always had fun because Dora made it that way). She was so enthusiastic and so much fun to spend time with. She would go out of her way to come and visit her grandparents and I even though it wasn't a short drive. I'm sure there was plenty of other things that she could have done but she made it her mission to visit. She gave us her time and that is something I will cherish forever. Dora grew into an all around fantastic woman who was just so positive even through life's challenges. When she was first diagnosed, I told her she was just like George Bailey (from the movie It's A Wonderful Life). She was such a one-of-a-kind person and had touched so many people in her life, that she was loved by all who met her. She was so humble. I think she had no idea of her uniqueness but we all knew, didn't we? She brought people together. She gave us all the gift of her warmth. One of the last times I visited during her illness, I told her how sorry I was for not being the best aunt I could have been. (I had gotten into drugs for a time and wasn't always as involved in her life as I wish I was). In typical Dora fashion, her reply was "Oh I don't even remember that". On another visit, while I was crying, she expressed to me how sorry she was for being sick. Do you believe that? Always thinking of others before herself. That's our Dora!!!I feel so blessed and grateful that I got to be a part of this beautiful (inside and out) woman's life for more than 25 years. I love my family dearly but I will tell you now she was the best one and as long as I live I will never meet a nicer, more caring, thoughtful person than Isadora Johanna Seibert. I miss her terribly, as we all do, and I can only honor her by trying to be as good of a person as she was!
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"I only had Ms. Seibert for my last semester senior year, but in that time alone she immediately became one of my favorite teachers. She taught my oceanography class and had such a passion for teaching that isn't seen in every teacher. She loved teaching and loved each and every one of her students. She was a true inspiration to me as I plan to become a teacher one day. I would be lucky to be half the teacher she was. I am so grateful for the time that I had with her in oceanography. Because of that class, every time I am at the beach and see the ocean, I know Ms. Seibert is there."
From:
Skylar Williams,
a Governor High School student...
"Dear Miss Seibert,
I think of you often. I think of how we rescued that fish. I think of how you would pull me out of classes to talk about the horses. I think of your bright yellow punch buggy with the Daisy on the antenna. I think of how you made me believe in myself and how you nurtured my love of science. I cried today. I cried thinking about a spiritual connection I had to a college I visited. How it seemed that I just belonged there. How being accepted to this college was a must because I refused and did not want to apply to any others. You see, my dear teacher, I found out that you attended this college! My major will be Biology.When I sit in class and walk through the halls, you will be in my heart. You mattered so much to me. You inspired me.
Your sincerely grateful student, Skyler Lynn Williams
PS.You will always be my favorite teacher of all time!"
From:
a Governor Livingston High School Student...
"Dear Seiberts,
I am one of the 2016 recipients of your amazing scholarship. I wanted to let you know how I've been doing since I've seen you last. First, I cannot thank you enough for your generosity and I promise it is being put to good use! I have been doing very well with my college career so far. I ended with a 4.0 GPA last semester and am working towards keeping that this semester. I am still pursuing psychology as my major and minoring in both forensic and political science. Once again, I cannot thank you enough and just wanted to let you know that I am working very hard to make Isadora proud.
Best wishes and thanks,
Kelly Deegan"
From...Kelly Deegan, 2016 scholarship recipient
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