Dear Juan and Yolle / Barack Obama September 19, 2007
Juan and Yolle Capin
I am deeply saddened to learn of the loss of Maria Teresa Capin. It is my honor to pay my respects and join in celebrating her life.
Although I never had the opportunity to meet Maria, her energy and commitment to making a difference in the world shines through in everything I’ve heard and read about her. As a teacher and an activist for the Latino community, Maria used her talents to better other’s lives. As a former teacher and community organizer myself, I understand the passion and sacrifice this work demands. She was an exceptionally conscientious woman and I know you will miss her terribly.
I also know that no mere words of condolence can ease your sadness at this time. You have lost a loving mother, wife, daughter and sister of a proud family. When my own mother passed away, I took comfort in the knowledge that she would remain in my life so long as I dedicated myself to pursuing the values she imbued in me. As I instill those values in my daughters, I continue to see my mother’s spirit at work.
I hope the same holds true for you. Please accept my deepest condolences for your loss. May God bless you and your family, and even as you mourn, may cherished memories of Maria bring you great joy and pride.
Sincerely, Barack Obama
influential and inspiring / Sylvia Cajchun When I was beginning to start my first year at Marshall High School, I had a class with Ms. Capin, because she would be one of the most influential and inspiring teachers you will ever have. I really going to miss you Ms. Chapin i remember her with her smile and positive thing to all her students. Rest in Peace Sylvia Cajchun (Falls Church)
A Memory / Kalyn Clemmons This past Christmas/New Year our family was together for the first time in quite a while. We were sitting outside one night in Daytona in a circle having a good time and sharing our favorite lyrics to certain songs with each other, most of which were meaningless and funny. When Teresa’s turn came, she sang a Spanish song which she has loved for a long time and has deep, political meaning. I couldn’t understand a word she sang but it took my breath away. She exuded such a passion for life and for people. When she would ask me what was going on in my life, I would start to bore myself while telling her but she would hang on to every word and her eyes would never leave mine. When she spoke about her life it usually consisted of great stories from her school and students, travels with my Uncle Greg and updates on her niece – Jessica. Teresa was a beautiful person on the inside and out and will be greatly missed. Kalyn Clemmons (Tampa, FL)
Tampa, FL / Melqui Castillo-Snider I've known Maria since I was 8 years old, I am 41 now; she was a very dear friend of my Sister, Raquel Castillo-Sykes. She was my friend too... she became part of our family and we always felt as if we were always a part of hers. We have a deep love and tender affection for our sweet Maria. She was an outstanding human-being in every sense, and one of which we will never see the likes of again. She left an unforgetable mark on all who were blessed to have known her. I have 5 sisters and a brother and I feel as if I have lost one of them with this tragic event. The saddness in my heart over losing her goes beyond that in which words or expressions may have any impact. We will miss her forever and never forget her amazing personality, giving spirit and love and friendship for everyone she met. May you find some comfort in knowing that she was loved so very much.
goodnight maria, / Loretta
sleep the unwanted sleep in peace. you will be awake in my memories. bless you & your family
the hcc years loretta mcc (tampa, FL)
Senora Capin, / Saskia Senora Capin, I will miss you so much. Spanish class will never be the same. Saskia
Siento tu fallecimiento, / Julia Barroso Siento tu fallecimiento, la prima admirada de mi amiga y artista Consuelo Vallina. Mi pésame a sus familiares Julia Barroso, Historiadora del Arte, Oviedo, España BARROSO JULIA (OVIEDO)
Ms. Capin / An Tran When I was beginning to start my first year at Marshall High School, my sister told me to make sure I had a class with Ms. Capin, because she would be one of the most influential and inspiring teachers you will ever have. She was right. Ms. Capin had a way about her that made you want to be the best that you could be. She truly was an angel sent to us. An Tran (Manassas Park, VA)
Ms. Capin, / Jessica Hurwitz
I still remember receiving my schedule for 10th grade and smiling b/c I saw you would be my teacher for Spanish II. You were the nicest and most caring teacher I have ever had and I always loved you for that. I knew you were always there to talk if I had a problem I needed help with. I can still see your smile and hear your laughter. I went to visit Marshall 2 weeks ago and was hoping to see you. I told myself I would visit again soon. You were honestly an angel living among us and I will always remember you. Jessica Hurwitz(Falls Church, VA)
Senora Capin you lead me to where I am now. / Hunter Smith Senora Capin you lead me to where I am now. You wrote me a college recommendation to the university I now attened. It is hard to think that where I am today is largely because of your efforts and teaching. Because of your direction I amounted myself to the fullest potential by taking IB spanish. Nearly every day since you sent my recommendaiton you asked if I had gotten in to UGA, showing how much you care. You were the first teacher I told because of your big heart. Undoubtedly my favorite teacher I have had, and probably the only I had planend to come back and visit. Though technically you may not have children, you have Hundreds who are mourning over you because you loved and considered them to be your own. You are one of a kind. God Bless. Hunter Smith (Vienna, VA)
Mrs. Capin, / Vania Maldonado
I close my eyes and picture your smile and than I remember you writing me a pass to class with your left hand and in all caps, telling me to come back and talk after school. I remember staying after school with the MANA girls giving us ideas or just sitting at your desk watching us during our meetings. I wish I could go back to those days and tell you how much you mean to me and how you your knowledge and wisdom helped me be who I am today. Not only were you a wonderful teacher but you were a wonderful mother who always listened to me and gave me advice. I just wish I could have told you how much I love you and how much I am going to miss you. I found a picture of us it was taken in 1999 it is the only picture I could find and I will cherish it forever, I looked at it and cried. Thank you Mrs. Capin for being a part of my life.I promise I will never forget you and always keep you in my heart. GOD bless all of your family. Te quiero mucho! Vania Maldonado (Herndon, VA)
Mrs. Capin, / Lisset Ramirez You were a great teacher but even more a mom to many of us. You were always so good to us. You definitely had patience. I wanted to recently come visit you in your classroom but I ran out of time and only made it to the football game. I was hoping you'd be there but I figured I'll try to come visit you soon. I didn't get to see you again since 1998 but you were always on my mind when I drove past the school. Que Dios te bendiga a ti y a tu familia. In Christ-Lisset Class 1998 Lisset Ramirez (Herndon, VA)
Juan, Yolie and family, / Herman Monroe Very sorry to hear of your sister's,Maria Teresa, passing. I was glad I got the opportunity to meet her, however, brief. To meet her was to love her instantly. I remember how much she loved her family and students. God Bless, Herman Monroe Tampa, Florida
Dear Juan,Yoli and Jessica, / Aaron Smith I am also sending my sympathy to each of you on the loss of your wonderful Maria.She was a grand LADY, on that I will always remember. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. God bless all of you and your dear mother.Sincerely, Aaron Smith, Tampa,Fla.
Sra. Capin was a fabulous teacher / Lily Riley Sra. Capin was a fabulous teacher, and I always looked forward to attending her classes. She always greeted us with a bright smile, and her enthusiam could be matched by no other. RIP. Lily Riley (Lin) (Falls Church, VA)
To the Capin family and friends: / Adam Stryker May God keep you in this difficult time. Please know that Maria Teresa will be sadly missed by MANY, MANY people. Such a warm, caring, thoughtful person! What a beautiful human being, taken from us way too early. But we must have faith that she is in a better place, helping God reverse the nefarious deeds of far too many in this world. Maria Teresa was one of the angels that walked amongst us. Let her be an inspiration to us all and let her memory live on by modeling our deeds and actions after her. Adam Stryker (VA)
Although I did not know Maria... / Martha Williams Although I did not know Maria, as I read your guest book, she had to be a wonderful person. I think of each person's life a book. Maria has written a wonderful book and now she is starting a new one, the best one. May the love of friends and family carry you through your grief. Martha Williams (Tampa, FL)
To the Capin Family, / Scott Perry
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Scott Perry (Miami, FL)
Juan, Yolie & family, / Marie Weston I'm so sorry to hear of the loss of your sister. I met Maria just once last year at Marti Maceo, and I will always remember her as a fun, loving and beautiful lady. My deepest sympathies. Marie Weston (Tampa, FL)
I still can't believe that you're gone. / Taty Varela I still can't believe that you're gone. Seeing you yesterday was one of the hardest things that I've done. You were truly a mom to me, you inspired me to be a better person, your smile and great spirit will ALWAYS be with us who got to know you. I miss you and love you dearly. Taty Varela - Class of '96 (Sterling, VA)
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