Schools

Melrose Resident, Waltham High Teacher Died Last Week

Noureddine Zoukhri taught French at Waltham High School.

A Melrose resident and teacher died suddenly last week.

Noureddine Zoukhri, who had taught French for the last four years, died on May 1, according to school officials. He was 58 and lived in Melrose, according to his obituary.

“He was caring teacher, a dedicated teacher,” said Waltham High School Principal Gregory Demeo.

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Zoukhri is the second member of the school community to pass away this year. Earlier this year,

According to Waltham Public Schools Superintendent Susan Nicholson, upon learning of Zoukhri's death, the district immediately executed a plan to help students and staff members cope with tragic news. School adjustment counselors were on hand to assist students and staff, according to Waltham Mayor Jeanette McCarthy.

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“Some students were quite upset,” Demeo said, adding that students had exhibited a “gamut of emotions.”

According to Zoukhri's obituary, he previously taught at one of the Waltham middle schools prior to joining the high school.

The mayor said Zoukhri had been on administrative leave, but did not specify the reason. Demeo declined to comment on the leave.

Students are planning an event in Zoukhri’s honor, Demeo said. Students and staff attended Zoukhri’s last week.

Calling hours for Zoukhri are scheduled for Saturday, May 5 from 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. at the Carr Funeral Home in Melrose. The funeral will start at 4 p.m.

Zoukhri’s full obituary appears below.

Noureddine Zoukhri, a 6 year resident of Melrose and formerly of Everett, passed into eternal life on Tuesday, May 1, 2012 suddenly. He was 58 years old.

Noureddine was born in Casablanca, Morocco on September 8, 1953 to Mohammed Zoukhri and Habiba (Froukh) Zoukhri. Noureddine grew up in Casablanca, Morocco where he attended school and graduated from high school. He received his Bachelors Degree from Rabat University in Morocco. In 2008, he recieved his Masters in Applied Linguistics from the University of Massachusetts-Boston. Noureddine began working for the Waltham Public School system and taught French and English for 2 years in the middle school and had been teaching French and English in Waltham High School for the last 4 years. Noureddine found interest in reading, Nascar and the languages.

Noureddine is the beloved husband of 11 years to Paula Jean (Greatorex) Zoukhri. He is the beloved son of Habiba (Froukh) Zoukhri of Morocco and the late Mohammed Zoukhri. He is the devoted brother of Abdelillah Zoukhri and his wife Fouzia of Morocco, Said Zoukhri of Libya and Driss Zoukhri and his wife Roxolana of Malden. He is the beloved son-in-law of Froggy Greatorex of Everett and the late Dotty Greatorex. He is the brother-in-law of Jimbo Greatorex and his wife Michelle of Wakefield, Jacko Greatorex and his wife Sandy of Charlestown and the late Karen Greatorex and Dotty Greatorex. He is the loving uncle of Raja, Sarah, Julia and Isis Zoukhri, Matthew, Jaime, Emma Greatorex and Casey Dolaher and great-uncle of Avery Libby. He is also survived by many other family and friends.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend visiting hours for Noureddine on Saturday, May 5, 2012 from 12 to 4 p.m. followed by his Funeral Service at 4 p.m. in The Carr Funeral Home, 1159 Main St. Melrose. Interment is private.

In lieu of flowers, kindly make a memorial donation in Noureddine's name to Relay for Life Wakefield-Team Karen & Nan's Clan, c/o James Greatorex, 18 Rosemary Avenue, Wakefield, Mass. 01880.


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