In Memory Of

Cecilia Mendes Rodier passed away from cancer on Thursday, December 1, 2005 in her home. She was born in Taunton, and was a graduate of Taunton High School. She earned a bachelor's degree in business education from Bryant College and a master's degree in education from Bridgewater State College. She also received certification in guidance from Providence College.

She worked as a teacher in the Taunton High School Business Technology Department for 42 years and served as curriculum supervisor in the department from 1995 until her retirement. During those years, countless students passed through her classroom. Mrs. Rodier believed each and every one of them would be successful in her class and worked tirelessly to achieve that goal. She developed relationships with area employers and delighted in placing students in part and full time positions in local businesses. She listened to the needs of the business community and challenged her staff to develop programs to address them. As a strong advocate for her students, she developed internships and Tech Prep partnerships to provide students with opportunities beyond the confines of the high school building. Mrs. Rodier was passionate about learning and wanted every student to have the opportunity to continue their education following graduation from Taunton High School. To that end, she served as chairman of the Taunton High School Faculty/Community Scholarship Fund for many years. She organized tag days, contacted area businesses, and sent mailings to graduates in order to raise funds for each year's senior class. As a result of her efforts, the scholarship committee has given thousands of dollars to hundreds of Taunton High School graduates through the years.

Mrs. Rodier's family and friends have established the Cecilia Mendes Rodier Scholarship Fund in memory of her. Please send donations C/O Barbara Masterson, Taunton High School, 50 Williams St., Taunton MA, 02780.

"I had Mrs. Rodier for Stenography for two years...Every Christmas when I hear Elvis sing Blue Christmas I think of her and laugh. She used to make us listen to the song and write it out in shorthand! She signed my yearbook in Steno and unfortunately I can no longer read it. She was a wonderful woman, a great teacher and someone to look up to, she will be missed a great deal. I'm proud to say that I had her for a teacher." -Karen McIlhargey (Enos) THS class of 1987

"She was wonderful person and a great teacher. I had her in my senior year (1976). She trained us well for coffee breaks. She would bring in the fixings to make hot chocolate for us to sip on. I met her in Florida after our 11 th year reunion. We had lunch together and she ordered an "ice coffee". The waiter could not figure out what she meant. She simply told him "add some coffee, milk, and ice", like ice tea, but with coffee. We laughed because it is such a "New England" thing. I'm saddened about her passing but she will be remembered fondly."

If you have any fond memories of Mrs. Rodier that you would like to share, feel free to e-mail the THS webmaster, and they can be posted on this page in her memory.