Lillian Exandra Wade

Lillian Exandra Wade was born on May 18th 1947 to Sydney and Lillian Wade in Belize City, Belize. She was fortunate to have grown up in many quaint villages throughout Belize as her father was a Headmaster and teacher who established schools throughout the country. She attended secondary school (High School) at St. Catherine's Academy in Belize. She moved to the United States in 1970 with her husband Angelo Velasquez, where she worked and lived in Boulder County. Lillian worked as an educational aide and liaison at the Denver Indian Center, Mile High Head Start, Manual High School and Warren Village in Denver before starting a career teaching at Cherry Creek School District in 1986. She started her career teaching 3rd grade and Gifted and Talented students at Cunningham Elementary, then Highline Elementary when the schools were consolidated. Lillian was awarded the Teacher of the Year Award 2011 with the recommendation of many of her past and present peers and students. Lillian retired from teaching in 2011, but continued to work as an administrator in the school district. Lillian was a distinct authority in the classroom and expected only the best from her students. Many of her former students had reached out to Lillian over the years to tell her how her influence had shaped young minds and her strongly disciplined instructional style. As a senior educator and school administrator, she mentored many young teachers, many of whom cite her as an influence in their decision to stay in the teaching profession. She was intensely dedicated to school, community and students. Lillian received her Associates Degree in Early Childhood Education from Denver Community College in 1976, and Bachelors of Science from Metropolitan State College of Denver in 1986. She completed her Master's Degree from the University of Northern Colorado in 1994. She also received her K-12 Principal Licensure from the University of Denver in 2000. She travelled to Ghana 1n 1997 as a Fulbright Scholar to study African Oral Tradition. Lillian loved to lavish attention on her yard and gardens and always had an amazing arrangement of wild and cultivated flowers. Her love for music and the arts extended from going to the ballet and theatre to attending live concerts. She enjoyed international travel, hiking, bird watching, camping and the outdoors. She is survived by her daughter Antoinette (John) Wenzel, two sons Sean (Edna) Wade and Francisco (Denise) Velasquez, two grandchildren Keith Wade and Vanessa Wade and three great grandchildren Maya Isabella, Isis Alexia, and Chloe Rihanna. One of Lillian's favorite quotes: In this world there are only two tragedies. One is not getting what one wants and the other is getting it! - Oscar Wilde A Memorial Service will be held Thursday, September 3, 2015 4:00pm at the Episcopal Church of the Holy Redeemer, 2552 Williams Street Denver, CO 80205.