Grissom-Clark Funeral Home | Atlanta, GA

Obituary For Ms. Karen Elise Ragazzo

"Ms. Karen Elise Seibert Ragazzo; mother, educator, scholar, and friend, passed peacefully surrounded by her loved ones on June 29th, 2020 at her home in Atlanta, GA. She was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer one year prior. Karen was raised with her three siblings in Wilmington, DE. She graduated from the University of Delaware with a Bachelor's in Sociology, and later earned her Master's in Education, with a specialty in US Government, from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. She educated young minds at Eugene-Ashley and John T. Hoggard High Schools in Wilmington, NC before working with Maynard Jackson and Dunwoody High Schools in Atlanta, GA. Karen, above all else, was a mother. She took immense pride in raising her children to be loving, compassionate, and unique adults and shared the achievements of her children with everyone. While she never had a favorite child per se, she would frequently claim with levity one child or pet to be her favorite at any moment. Education was a large part of Karen's life. She achieved National Board Certification and taught numerous Advanced Placement history and government courses throughout her career. As an educator, she would frequently voice her love for the Supreme Court and facilitate civil discourse with an open mind, challenging her students to become critical thinkers and engaged citizens of the world. She always mentioned she'd be a Justice in a different life. Karen is preceded in death by her mother Shirley, and survived by her children, Nicholas (Megan), Matthew, and Shelby; her grandchild Olive Elise; her siblings Cynthia Prentiss and family, Ted Seibert, Cheryl Simmons and family; and her loving pets Emmy and Coby.

A celebration of life will be held in Wilmington, NC at Airlie Gardens on July 16th. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made in Karen's memory to Hoggard High School. A scholarship will be awarded to a senior in the Striving to Achieve Excellence Program, which serves first generation college bound students. Contributions can be made out and mailed to John T. Hoggard High School 4305 Shipyard Blvd. Wilmington, NC 28403 with Karen Ragazzo written in the memo. The family also asks for you to keep your loved ones close to your heart, honor your education, and live life with all the passion and gusto you can.

“It's hard to soar like an eagle when you are surrounded by turkeys”

-Mom"

Guest Book

Karen was one of my favorite colleagues as we worked together with our teacher ed students at Hoggard and UNCW. In addition she was a Master's student in two of my classes and I admired her dedication so much. She was a master teacher and a wonderful person. She always was smiling at her students. And she knew her stuff! Please convey my condolences to the family and please know hoe much she will be missed. John Fischetti, University of Newcastle, Australia

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Karen was a co-worker and my friend. Her positive spirit and fight to get well was an inspiration. She didn't complain and gave so much of herself to her students and to all those who crossed her life path. I am blessed to have known her, if even for a short time. She was a special person who cared and was a confident teacher who touched lives. And changed lives... from all the comments here. I will always admire so much about her and she will remain in my heart. My thoughts and prayers are with her loved ones. Melanie King

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Sorry about this Jesus is in her hands now up in heaven love Ellen

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Ms. Ragazzo was my favorite teacher in 9th grade at maynard jackson. She helped me when i was struggling in her class and did the same for many other students. The reason she was my favorite was because she made a connection with her students. For me and a few of my friends she was the teacher we could go to if we needed anything. From reading a few other memories it seems she has left a mark on us all, she will not be forgotten. Sending love to her family.

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Ms. Ragazzo was a truly remarkable role model and is one of the few teachers that left a lasting mark on me throughout my education. She was intuitive and always there for her students no matter their circumstances because she is so caring and compassionate. I wish bountiful peace and love to her and her family. Thank you for your time and wisdom Ms. Ragazzo, Rest In Peace.

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Mrs. Ragazzo was the most influential teacher at Dunwoody. She made my freshman year challenging, of course, but also engaging, interesting, and fun. I will miss all the fun parties she let our class throw, and even the surprising pop quizzes in class. Rest easy.

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Karen always went out of her way to make conversation with me when I was a new teacher at Hoggard. She had such a great sense of humor and always had a witty comeback. Keeping her family in my thoughts. Sara Butcher

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Ms. Ragazzo was very sweet and funny. I was in her class and she always use to let me sit in her class she just chill. She was so fun to be around. I pray that she has found peace and will forever be one of the most sweetest woman that has walked this earth.

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My condolences to the family. All hope isn't gone, Jesus gave a promise at John 5: 28,29. Taren Butler

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Ragazzo welcomed me to Hoggard with open arms and shared her resources and vast knowledge of Civics with me. She was a strong presence and I will miss her. Prayers for her family from Wilmington. Lindsay Noble

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Ms. Ragazzo was an incredible teacher. She was my high school civics teacher, I struggled in that class but she told me she wouldn't let me fail it and she kept her word. She helped me as much as she could to get me through that class and she did. She had a personality most teachers didn't have, the class was never boring-everyone loved her and treated her like a mom because that's how she treated us all, like her children. She didn't give up on any of her students. She was so understanding. And she sure loved her fur babies very much. One of my favorite teachers for sure. My condolences for the family friends & fur babies of Maryland. Ragazzo. Rest In Peace.

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Was so sad to learn of Karen's passing. A card carrying member of the Holly Down's Mom's Club. Will always remember the memories we shared while raising our kids. You were a great mom and went onto be a great educator as well. I will always remember you for rising above the fluff and telling it like it is. I'm so sorry for your kids Nick, Matt and Shelby. You had a great Mom and you have so many great memories with her that will help you as you go through life. My heart hurts for all of you as she was taken too soon from you all. Sending big hugs your way

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I thoroughly enjoyed working with Karen at Hoggard High School. She had high expectations for her own children, as well as, her students. Visiting her classroom on many occasions was always a lesson that was refreshed for me and I could always count on her to help with testing when needed. God needed a great social studies teacher and he just received one of the best. My sympathies to her children. Debbie Reid, Assistant Principal

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Mrs. Ragazzo was my favorite teacher at Hoggard. She was the most kind and caring teacher there was. I'm with a heavy heart learning of her passing. My God watch over her and her family in this time. Rest in Peace Mrs. Ragazzo

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Enjoyed Observing her classes at Hoggard. Karen was very energetic and engaging with her students! We missed her when she moved away. My sincere condolences to the family and friends I can still hear her voice whispering trying to tell me something to make me laugh A remarkable person in gone too soon. Wanda Seed, Assistant Principal

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Mrs. Ragazzo was one of my favorite teachers in the 9th grade. She loves her students in every way. There were a lot of things that wish I could say to her right now. I can hear her right now in my head, "Get to class, you guy." The Jaguar nation has truly lost a powerful teacher and mentor.

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Even though I never took her class. I always had class next to her and I have always notice how she loved her students. And no matter what she alexia's loves them.

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Ms. Ragazzo was one of those teachers that made you excited for learning. I was lucky enough to have her for two classes, and she was always a highlight of my day. I send my heart and prayers to her children. She loved you all dearly, and was immensely proud of you. Fly High beautiful Angel

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Ms. Ragazzo was my favorite teacher at Maynard Jackson. I was determined to become close to her the minute I entered her classroom. There was just something different about her energy. She lit up the room even when she was having to yell at the wild students for running in the hallway. Teaching at a school like Maynard is not easy but she easily held her classes together, always. One day, she had to use the bathroom and she asked me to watch over the class for second. I took that job as seriously as Ms. Ragazzo does. I stood in front of the class and made sure every student was doing as she said to do. When she came back, she smiled and said "thank you sweet girl". From that day, I was so excited to go to her class. We got so close to the point that she would ask me what we should do during the class period. I even got a whistle app on my phone to use whenever students were in the hallway when they were not supposed to be. I was determined to take the stress of dealing with wild kids, easier. I never hesitated blowing my whistle and telling students to "Get to class!". I was a security guard for her class and the hallway near her class. One day, my ex got switched into my class with Ms. Ragazzo. My mood started to drop and I told Ms. Ragazzo who he was and why we broke up. She made sure to never group us up together and seated us in two completely different parts of the classroom lol. I eventually opened up to Ms. Ragazzo about how some girls were bullying me over something so unnecessary. She always gave me advice and she knew when I was having a bad day. She was so supportive of my dance career and what my future holds. She was a mom at school and she always motivated me to keep coming back. I love her. She is a blessing to my life. I will never forget her. She is the reason I am at my dream college. She is the reason I am as confident as I am today. I am grateful to have known her.

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If it was not for her, I wouldn't be the person I am today. She was my favorite high school teacher...She was very energetic. She will be missed.

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My heart is so heavy ... One of my favorite teachers ! So sweet and kind , I'm going to miss you telling me stories about your children, and your dog lol ! I'm grateful that i was able to experience you ! You really made an impact , and you will truly be missed . ILOVEYOU -Kayla Vactor

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Ms. Ragazzo left an indelible mark on me as her student in AP Government; I will never forget how she encouraged us all to think critically and for ourselves. Truly one of the best teachers I had. Rest in peace.

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Sending Love and Prayers to you and your Family Shelby. Jamison Shaw Hairdressers will always remember your sweet Mom and her love for you. May each passing day be a reminder of the foot print she left for you! She will forever be with you Candy Shaw and the entire Jamison Shaw Family.

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What a beautiful, loving and real tribute. She left a wonderful legacy in her children and students. Peace be with her, her family, and all those she touched.

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In the short time I have known Karen her kindness and compassion are biggest character traits I learned from her. She was always there to help me when I needed it and helped me grow tremendously as an educator. Thank you for all the postive experiences we shared togther during our PLC meetings at Dunwoody. Rest in peace, you will be forever remembered.

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Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

- Grissom-Clark Funeral Home