Loss. Tragedy. Heartbreak.
Those words have marked Dublin Unified School District announcements twice this fall, following the deaths of Murray Elementary School’s fifth-grade teacher Kaitlin Repine and Dublin Elementary School’s child nutrition staff member Rocky Orman less than two weeks apart.
The news broke after principals from each elementary school sent messages to the community announcing the losses, letters steeped in mourning but also reverence for the role each played at their schools. They also encouraged open dialogue between parents and children as they work through this challenging time.
“Ms. Repine’s passion for education and Mr. Rocky’s dedication to nourishing our students were integral to our school community,” DUSD Superintendent Chris Funk wrote to families on Monday. “Their absence leaves a profound void in their school communities and the district and serves as a poignant reminder of the immeasurable impact that every staff member has on our school community.”
Repine taught for five years at Murray, where she was known for her kindness and dedication, according to the school’s principal Bethannee Witczak.
There she led the fifth-grade Cougar Crew and explored Science Camp with her students. Repine was even recognized as DUSD Teacher of the Year by other staff members for the 2022-23 school year.
As recently as Sept. 6, her classroom — decorated with tea lights, educational posters and even a Jurassic World poster behind her desk — was featured on the school’s Instagram as the first in a series of classroom tours.
“Something you should know about Ms. Repine is that she is expecting a baby girl in October,” the caption reads. “We are so excited to welcome a new Cougar to the family.”
But last week, Repine died after complications at the end of her pregnancy, according to family and school officials.
“Our hearts are breaking for Ms. Repine’s family, and our school community is grieving the loss of a teacher who was so much more than just an educator to us all,” Witczak wrote in a message to the community on Oct. 9. “Ms. Repine was a beloved member of our school family, known for her kindness, dedication, connections with students, and passion for teaching.”
Not only does she leave behind a classroom of students, she is also survived by her husband David (Donald) Repine.
In support of Repine’s widower, Kristopher Couls organized a fundraiser on GoFundMe on his behalf that has raised more than $56,000 toward its target $60,000 as of Wednesday morning.
“There are no words to fully encompass the unimaginable heartbreak that has happened. Kait was the most remarkable wife, daughter, friend, sister, aunt, teacher and so much more. After 2 difficult rounds of IVF, her and Donald were ecstatic to be parents. Kait wanted nothing more than to be a mother, and she would have been simply the best,” Couls wrote.
The family tragedy began unfolding on Oct. 4 when Repine, 38 weeks pregnant, felt unwell and was admitted to the hospital, according to Couls on GoFundMe. They learned their arriving daughter had no heartbeat, a diagnosis confirmed upon her birth on Oct. 6.
Repine underwent many emergency surgeries, but ultimately her organs failed amid a battle with pancreatitis, her family said on Facebook. The Granada High School alum died at the hospital in Walnut Creek surrounded by loved ones on Oct. 9. She was 33.
A memorial service is being planned for next Sunday (Oct. 27) at First Presbyterian Church in Livermore, time still to be determined, Repine’s family said.
School officials received the news on the morning of Oct. 9 but were not able to inform students that day, according to Witczak, who encouraged parents to talk with their children. She offered tips for having these potentially difficult conversations in her message to families: Express concern, be genuine, invite the conversation, listen and observe.
She also said that parents might see some problems arise like clinging, withdrawal, worry and an increase in immature behavior.
“Please join us in keeping Ms. Repine’s family in your hearts and thoughts,” Witczak wrote. “This is a profound loss for all of us, and our deepest sympathy goes out to Ms. Repine’s loved ones during this time.”
Just two weeks earlier, DUSD was hit with the death of Orman (also known as Mr. Rocky).
As a staff member, he made sure students had access to a nutritious breakfast and lunch, according to the district.
“Our Shark Community knew and loved him. His smile, laughter, and acts of kindness embodied the spirit and generosity of our community,” McGovern wrote. “His reach was long, genuine, and energetic.”
Orman died during the last weekend of September, according to school officials. A cause of his death wasn’t immediately released.
McGovern said that the school didn’t plan to address the loss with students out of respect for the family’s privacy. But she encouraged parents to talk with their children about this loss.
It’s a tragedy the school was still coming to terms with, Dublin Elementary principal Lauren McGovern wrote to the community on Sept. 30.
“If you feel that your family needs additional support processing this news, please reach out to our school counselor, Erin Johnson,” McGovern offers. “Let us lean on each other and show grace and gratitude for one another as we navigate through this challenging time.”
A candlelight vigil in honor of Orman is set for Wednesday (Oct. 16) from 6:30-7:30 p.m. on the front lawn of Dublin Elementary School at 7997 Vomac Road.
Resources to those affected by these deaths are available at the Crisis Support Services of Alameda County at 800-309-2131 and the HUME Behavioral Health Center at 925-223-8047.
