Deborah Raad, Gill Elementary Teacher, Dies Unexpectedly

The Gill Elementary School community is mourning the unexpected loss of second grade teacher Deborah Raad, who died April 2. She was 41. 

A public visitation will be held from 3 p.m.-9 p.m. on Thursday, with a 7:30 p.m. prayer service, at Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons, 36900 Schoenherr Rd. in Sterling Heights. A family service will be held on Friday. Memorial donations may be made to Our Lady of Redemption Church, 29293 Lorraine, Warren MI. 

A Farmington resident, Mrs. Raad is survived by her husband of 7 years Joseph, and their children Sara, Michael, Mary and Nicholas, according to an obituary posted by Wujek-Calcaterra & Sons. Her father George Courey also survives; her mother, Katherine, preceded her in death. 

Farmington Public Schools sent out an email Wednesday with resources for parents struggling with how to help children deal with the news. Suggested books include:

• I Remember Miss Perry, by Pat Brisson
• When Someone Very Special Dies, by M. Heegaard
• When Dinosaurs Die, by L. Brown & M. Brown
• Where Are You?, by Laura Oliver
• After a Death: An Activity Book for Children, by Lindholm, et.al

Additionally, centerforloss.com and childgrief.org provide helpful information, the email noted. 

Read the complete obituary.