MHS staff member Dannielle Lambert passes away

At age 48, Dannielle Ann Lambert passed away unexpectedly at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital on Dec. 3.

Ms. Lambert was a daughter, mother, sister, and for MHS, a teacher. She was a student teacher for some time, and most recently the Upward Bound teacher. She had a lifelong love for learning and sharing knowledge with others.

“Dannielle was a kind person who always gave you a smile in the hallway and took the time to say hello. I’m really going to miss seeing her at MHS,” said Amy McBroom, an art teacher at MHS.

“Danni was amazing! She worked so hard at everything she did. She and I worked together as teachers for summer school. We were committed subs in the Media Center together.  I always rooted for her to be hired full-time.  Greater opportunity knocked on her door in 2009. Upward Bound launched from the gate like a crazed bronco. Those first few years were rough.  Danni straightened it out. Upward Bound at MHS would not have survived without her leadership and heart.  I will miss our heart-to-heart talks in the halls, offices, and classrooms. The Upward Bound Family, Danni’s mom, daughter, and extended family are in my thoughts as we all grieve,” said Sue Jones, a biology teacher at MHS.

“So sad to hear about Danielle!  She and I became friends after the CTE office moved to B Wing and she would be at school when I was working late. I’d see her with groups of kids doing what she did best- showing her caring loving attitude and acceptance of many students who so desperately needed it! Our friendship continued over in F wing after hours again.  She was so sweet! I will really miss her!” said Reda Bineicki, Administrative Assistant to the CTE Director at MHS.

“Your quick smile, gentle & calm demeanor, and loving heart for our students is already so missed. We are so grateful for the years that you were with us at MHS and the many lives that you touched. Our kids are better for your steadfast guidance and encouragement, and we cherish our memories of you and life of purpose,” said Jen Furkas, Assistant Principal at MHS. 

“Danielle and I enjoyed many hallway chats.  She always had a smile and was dedicated to her Upward Bound students,” said Mary Bullard, the Library Media Specialist at MHS.

“Ms Lambert was a huge advocate for all students. We appreciate her love, kindness and care for all students. She will be missed so much and we are praying for her family. May she rest in peace,” said MHS principal Steve Pollzzie.

“It was an honor to have worked with you. We had some great times when you were my student teacher. I will miss you Danny.  My condolences to your family,” said MHS teacher Gwen Myers.

“I had taken for granted the soft-spoken “Good Morning, Holly” or “Hi, Holly” that I received from Dannielle daily.  Having been office neighbors for years, one tends to see the other as just a normal fixture in daily work life.  We spoke often.  We had conversations on many subjects, ranging from students to politics to humorous happenings in our lives.  We spoke often of our children and she shared with me the pride she had in her daughter, Kylee.  She listened to my stories about my kids and my grandchildren.  I failed to recognize Dannielle as the friend she became.  I always liked Dannielle.  I always enjoyed talking to Dannielle.  However, I never appreciated Dannielle as I should have….until she was gone.  I will have a difficult time knowing that the “normal” part of my daily work life will never be normal again.  I will miss her! Dannielle was one of those people that etch themselves into your heart without you knowing.  Quiet, caring, empathetic, and much funnier than many knew….she was all of those and more.  Rest in Heaven, my friend,” said MHS employee Holly Marshall.

“You often hear the words “in a world where you can be anything, be kind” – that was Danielle.  Always with a smile on her face, soft spoken and kind.  When the person talking to her was rude or obnoxious, she was always kind.  She never turned anyone down when they asked for her help &  she volunteered to help out when you didn’t think you needed it,” said MHS biology teacher Amy Zellen.

“Dannielle and I shared an office suite when I was the Curriculum Consultant and she first started with Upward Bound, so I got to talk to her most every day for a few years.  Always nice, always friendly, always quick to laugh.  She was the ideal person to share an office suite with,” said Eric Raush, MHS mathematics teacher.

“I had Danielle as a student in 8th grade English, and then I had the opportunity to have her daughter as an accounting student. Danielle was a hard worker and was very kind, just like her daughter. She was so proud of her daughter, and I know how much she is going to miss her. But from a motherless daughter also, she will carry on and live a wonderful life, and be watched over by her beloved Mama. 

Kylee, please read the poem “First Christmas in Heaven” it is what got me through the holidays,” said longtime MHS teacher Joni Weaks.