Glenna Laurie Kappel, 67, of Fernandina Beach, died Thursday, Jan. 26, 2017, at Community Hospice-Warner Center-Nassau.
Glenna was born Jan. 26, 1950, in Chicago to Joseph and Annabel (Robinson) Carrigan. She graduated from North Central College in Naperville, Ill., and became a dual-certified Spanish and French teacher. She taught at schools in Illinois, Indiana and Florida throughout her 30-year career, including St. Michael Academy and Amelia Island Montessori. She taught in elementary, middle and high schools. She also worked as a substitute teacher for Nassau County public schools after retiring. She was a lifelong teacher who volunteered to translate Spanish when needed.
Glenna moved to Fernandina Beach in 1999, and later became a foster parent/grandparent for more than 20 children. She was active in her church, community and professional organizations. She was a loving mother and grandmother. She modeled endurance and faith for her friends and family as she lived an active life despite medical problems. She was a lifelong Star Trek fan and loved to read.
She was preceded in death by her parents.
Glenna is survived by her son, Michael Kappel of Warrenville, Ill., and his fiancée, Teresa Erickson; her daughter, Kimberly Kappel of Fernandina Beach; her sister, Margaret (Victor) Lisciani of Charlotte, N.C.; four grandchildren, Colleen Villarreal, Charley Kappel, Gianna Kappel and Blake Kappel; and more than 20 foster children/grandchildren.
The memorial service will be at 3 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 11, at Memorial United Methodist Church in Fernandina Beach. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Memorial United Methodist Church Building Fund.
Eternity Funeral Homes & Cremations – Nassau