Los Banos education pioneer Lorena Falasco dead at 87

Lorena Falasco, for whom the elementary school on Overland Avenue in Los Banos is named, died March 2 at age 87.

Falasco spent 39 years as a teacher and administrator in the Los Banos school district.

Richard Miller, one of Falasco's peers in the district, described her as professional and knowledgeable.

"She was a consummate educator," Miller said.

Miller said Falasco would, on Halloween, dress as a witch for the school parades.

Born in 1924, Falasco returned to her native Los Banos to begin a career in education after graduating from the University of California at Berkeley in 1946.

She broke ground when she moved up from teaching to the principal's office at Henry Miller Elementary in 1956.

"She was definitely a pioneer -- the first female principal in Los Banos," said Paula Mastrangelo, principal at R.M. Miano Elementary School, in noting Falasco's achievements.

Falasco retired in 1985.

Lorena Falasco Elementary School was named for her at a ceremony held in August 2004. Falasco and hundreds of well-wishers attended the dedication ceremony.

The school was the first new elementary school to be built in the district in 40 years.

Falasco is survived by five nieces, three nephews and 20 grandnieces and grandnephews.

A Mass was held at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Los Banos on Thursday.

Falasco was buried in the Los Banos District Cemetery.

This story was originally published March 11, 2011 at 9:02 AM with the headline "Los Banos education pioneer Lorena Falasco dead at 87."