Condolence: Miss Gygax was one of my teachers in 4th grade at Colegio Bolivar in Cali. She taught Colombian geography and history. She would write information on the board that we would copy verbatim into our cuadernos- we just about wrote our own textbooks! The school bus I rode picked her up each morning which I thought was special. When she married Mr. Hunter in the Episcopal Church, my mother was on the altar guild and had to be there for the ceremony. She allowed me to sit on the stairs to the second floor and watch. Miss Gygax was more beautiful than ever that day, if that were possible! She made a huge impression on me, a 9 year old girl. I was able to go to the 50th anniversary of Bolivar 22 years ago and was thrilled to have the chance to visit with her a bit. She had maintained the same air of beauty, grace, and dignity in those 50 years and I imagine she entered into God's grace with the same attributes.

Condolence: I was fortunate to spend quite a few evenings and afternoons in the company of this wonderful woman, Nelly. From the day I met Nelly at her son Paul and daughter in law Lina's home we found conversation came very easily. She was a fascinating woman with many life experiences and stories so it was not difficult for hours to pass quickly as she enlightened me with her intelligence, wit and humor.
The love she had for her family shown brightly, to me she seemed to have had a happy, fruitful and contented life. A life well lived!

Condolence: Dear Lina and Paul,

I was so very saddened to learn of the passing of your Mother, our much-loved Miss Nelly Gygax. She was a wonderful teacher, so encouraging to me as a shy grade school student at Colegio Bolivar. After I moved to Cali in 3rd grade, your Mom worked with me to bring my Spanish up to a level where by 5th grade I could mainstream into the Spanish class with all the native speakers. I’ll never forget her standing me up in front of the whole class to praise this accomplishment. She added so much to my self-confidence at a time when I had very little.
Her family home was very near where we lived in the San Fernando neighborhood. Once, we got up the courage on a weekend to drop in to visit her unannounced. She was so gracious, offering us drinks and snacks and delighting us with stories about her family. My favorite was the story about how her father had kept a wild cat raised from birth in their house. I am not certain now whether this was a lion or tiger cub. All was well until the day a maid left out some raw meat which was to be prepared for dinner. After the cat ate it, it was no longer possible to keep him in the house and he was moved to a zoo.
Your Mom was my favorite teacher during those grade school years, and her support and enthusiasm are part of the memories I will treasure forever. Please know there are many of us who mourn her passing with you. Your Mother was a gift to all of us.
Con mucho carino
Maryann

Maryann Hutchison
Los Altos, CA
Colegio Bolivar, 1954 - 57

Condolence: My condolences to the Hunter family during this difficult time. In the Bible, Jehovah God gives us hope. Acts 24:15 says, “there is going to be a resurrection of both the righteous and the unrighteous.” Revelation 21:4 says, “and he will wipe out every tear from their eyes and death will be no more.” Very soon we will see the fulfillment of these promises here on Earth. We hope you find comfort in God’s promises.

Condolence: Querido Paul,

Te mando mis más sinceras condolencias! Recuerdo con muchísimo cariño a Nelly que fue muy amiga de mi mamá y compartieron muchos momentos juntas.

Un abrazo,
Lizbeth

Condolence: Of course I'm sad that we will not see her next time we are in Cali, but I have so many great recuerdos. She was a tough but fair teacher who let us get away with stuff that was "not so bad". And many years later, she received us so graciously in her home. She encouraged me to be brave and smuggle back across the border a beautiful succulent of which she had several on her porch. Customs never knew anything. It lasted through several winters but I think we finally overwatered it. I, and many more, will miss you, Miss Gygax. Your work at the Bolívar made it a great place to go learn. Gracias por alegrarnos tanto la vida tanto tiempo. Nos vemos por allá en la otra dimensión.

Condolence: We will hold very close many memories of Nelly and we are sorry to hear of her passing!
She loved her life in Cali.