The late Gary Culbert, a beloved high school English teacher in Washington state, passed away on April 23, 2024, after a remarkable 30-year career. Gary was known for his deep love of literature and his dedication to his students, inspiring many and helping misfits believe in a bright future for themselves.
In the wake of his passing, Gary’s family faces significant financial challenges. His wife, Sandy, requires ongoing care, and the funerary expenses have deeply cut into the family’s savings. In response to numerous requests and recognizing the financial struggles many teachers endure, Mary Kopczynski organized a fundraiser to honor Gary’s legacy in education.
"Because teachers are grossly underpaid, and sometimes the most hardworking among us still struggle to make ends meet, we’ve set up a fund to honor Gary Culbert. The proceeds will help his family take care of his wife, Sandy," shared Mary Helen Nuxoll Kopczynski on Facebook.
The GoFundMe campaign titled "Honoring Dr. Culbert’s Legacy in Education" has been set up with a goal of $30,000. Mary Kopczynski, who initiated the fundraiser, noted, "Even if you never had Dr. Culbert as a teacher, you’ve had Dr. Culbert as a teacher. Dr. Culbert represents the best of teachers — the ones who love you during an unfathomably hard time, the ones who inspire you, the ones who encourage the misfits to believe in a bright future for themselves."
As of today, the campaign has raised $100, with Mary Kopczynski being the first donor. The community is urged to support the Culbert family during this difficult time rather than sending flowers or other donations. Additionally, a celebration of Gary Culbert’s life is being organized at Eastside Catholic School, where friends, family, and former students can gather to honor his memory.
For those who wish to attend the memorial, they can RSVP through the link provided by Mary Helen Nuxoll Kopczynski on Facebook. The event aims to bring together the community to remember the impact Gary had on countless lives and to support his family in their time of need.
Note:This post was written and edited by Gabriel Anderson, based on their expertise and research. It is intended for informational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice. We welcome your feedback and questions on this content. Please feel free to contact us.