Allyson Mestel-Schapira passed away on April 19 as a result of COVID-19, after touching hundreds of lives in her 25-plus years as a speech teacher at PS 229.

Mestel-Schapira was lauded as “the great communicator of PS 229,” who loved both colleagues and students.

She was known never to forget a birthday or occasion that could be used as an excuse to bring people together.

A fellow speech teacher remembered Mestel-Schapira in an online tribute, saying “Allyson was one of the most empathetic caring people I’ve ever met. She was so down to earth and was so supportive. People who knew her loved her and people who would meet her for the first time loved her instantly.”

She is survived by her husband, Gil, and their children, Tamar and Asher. She is also survived by her mother, Perry Mestel.

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