GoFundMe Created For Local Teacher That Suffered Fatal Injuries From Single-Vehicle Accident

A GoFundMe has been set up to honour the memory of grade 5/6 teacher Lucia Colacci who passed away in a single-vehicle accident on Pigeon Lake Road on Monday.

Facebook photo.

The 51-year-old St. John Paul II Catholic Elementary School teacher was married to her husband Jeff Kitney and had three children, Mateo, Marco and Natalia.  

The money raised will ease the financial burdens following Colacci’s death.

On Monday, Kawartha Lakes OPP responded to the scene of a single-vehicle rollover on Pigeon Lake Road around 8:30 a.m. near Downeyville.

Colacci was transported to the hospital from the scene where she later passed away. 

Kindergarten teacher Patricia Campbell says she worked together with Colacci for years, calling her both a friend and a colleague.

“If you knew Lucia, you knew that her presence was undeniable. When she walked into a room, she oozed confidence, enthusiasm, and self-assurance,” said Campbell. “She had a big smile, a big voice, and an even bigger personality but her students never felt intimidated by her. That was because in addition to being a great speaker, Lucia was also a great listener and an even better observer.”

Campbell and Colacci worked together at St. John Paul II and previously at St. Dominic CES.

“Lucia was the kind of educator that all educators aspire to be. Over the course of her teaching career she motivated and inspired hundreds of young people and she undoubtedly left a lasting impression on each and every one of them. Lucia had a way of breaking down walls and reaching even the most reluctant of learners. In her classroom, everyone was seen. Nobody was forgotten or ignored. Lucia made each of her students feel valued, respected, and cared for,” continued Campbell. “Her absence will be felt deeply. In our community, in our school, in our hearts. But even in her absence, Lucia will continue to teach all of us; about generosity, kindness, empathy, patience and faith, along with a multitude of other things. We were all blessed beyond measure to know her.”

Additional social workers were assigned to the school on Tuesday and are available for any students who require additional support.

Mental health support is offered through the Kids Helpline 24/7. Text CONNECT to 686868, or call toll-free at 1-800-668-6868.

The school’s flag was lowered at half-mast to honour Colacci’s memory.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.