Jacqueline L. Morana, retired teacher, principal

Updated: December 24, 2009, 6:35 am /
Published: December 24, 2009, 12:30 am

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Oct. 2, 1939—Dec. 21, 2009

Jacqueline L. Morana, a retired teacher and principal for the Buffalo Public Schools, died Monday in her Buffalo home after a lengthy battle with cancer. She was 70.

Born Jacqueline Duprey in Saranac Lake, Mrs. Morana earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education from Buffalo State College in 1962. She later earned two master’s degrees from the same institution: in reading and secondary social studies in 1965, and in administration in 1967.

She worked for Buffalo Public Schools from 1961 to 1999— she was a teacher for more than 15 years, and was principal at Houghton Academy for 19 years. Though she retired in 1995, Mrs. Morana served as a substitute principal and also mentored newly assigned principals.

While she was principal at Houghton Academy, the school was among four elementary schools in Buffalo that were honored by former President Ronald Reagan and Education Secretary William Bennett for high achievement and progress in reading and math scores. She also received numerous awards for distinguished service.

Last month, Mrs. Morana was among several people honored for their contributions to the community by Sadoo Enterprises, which raises money to build primary schools in Africa.

Mrs. Morana was involved in many professional organizations and committees. She also was a member of the Afro- American Historical Association, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and Colored Musician’s Club.

Survivors include her husband, Giovanni “John”; a son, Brett; and a sister, Abigail Wanzer.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 9:30 a. m. Saturday in St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, 160 Court St.