"Absolutely gutted."

"The Best of Neighbors."

"One of a kind."

And, simply, "Mom."

Those are just a few of the comments and reactions coming from the numerous former Manteca High School Students, neighbors, and members of the community whose lives were touched by longtime drama and English teacher Dorothy Ann Blais Mulvihill.

"Our beloved Mom passed away, peacefully, early this morning. We're grieving, but comforted knowing she's with our Dad," announced the Mulvihills' youngest child Deanna Mulvihill on her Facebook page on Tuesday, Sept. 8.

The longtime Buffalo faculty member's lifetime work as a community theater director, actress in addition to being a teacher is recognized by the naming of one of the campus buildings on her honor - the Speech Arts Building which now bears her name. The theater is clearly seen from Yosemite Avenue.

In addition to her many student and community plays at Speech Arts, Mulvihill also left her mark as director and performer at the Stockton Civic Theatre.

Reactions from her former drama and English students, a well as other community members whose lives she touched were filled with memories of love and gratefulnes.

Ericka Mendes Meadows who literally followed in her mentor's footsteps - she is now a Manteca Unified School District teacher - commented in Deanna Mulvihill's Facebook announcement, "With much love comes much grief. Thankful every day for being fortunate to have walked into her theater on my 1st day as a freshman, and to have walked out years later with a second Mom, a future husband and son, and friends for a lifetime. The lessons taught by her are with me today and always. I teach my students in her honor."

Former student Karen Daniels wrote, "RIP Mother M. My heart breaks for the family. As I sit here in tears all I can remember are the wonderful things she taught me and helped me develop into the person I am today. It was 43 years ago, my first day of high school, September 6, 1977 in her Drama class that I walked in and met my Bill for the first time. She was always there to talk about anything without judgement, remaining a good friend years past High School. She will always be loved, missed, and have a special place in my heart."

And from Scott Davis: "R.I.P. Mrs. Mulvihill. You taught me so much about theatre in High School and during my time at M.C.T. (Manteca Community Theatre). You truly helped me learn so much about the Theatre which helped me to do all the things I have done in theatre over the years. You are one of a kind."

Mulvihill's influence did not end on the Manteca High campus, as evidenced by the comment from Lyle H. Hughes.

"Your Mom and Dad were the Best of Neighbors to me while I was growing up," he recalled in Deanna's Facebook page.

"It was such a blast getting hooked on WWII because of your Dad. And your Mom always looked out for me. Even when I was older and I’d stop by to visit my Folks, it’s seemed like every time I did, she’d be out front gardening. She’d stop what she was doing and then we would visit for 5-10. She was just doing the 'check up from the neck up' on one of her 'adopted sons.'"

I will always cherish those moments with her.

"

Kimberlee Castillo Yee's recollection and emotion reflected that of many when she stated: "She was an amazing actress and teacher. She was a positive influence on my girls. Remember that the ones we love never truly leave us; they are always in our hearts."