ALISON B. MATELA
“It is with a heavy heart that I share this very sad news with you. Alison Matela passed away suddenly last weekend.” –Joni Samilin, April 5, 2011.
Alison moved to Encinitas at two years old. She attended Parkdale Lane Elementary School and was responsible for organizing a 6th grade class presence in the Encinitas Main Street Christmas Parade. She attended Diegueno Middle School before entering San Dieguito High School Academy as a member of the first academy class. During her time at SDHS, she participated in theater, debate and other activities, winning many honors along the way. While in high school she attended the La Jolla Playhouse Summer Conservatory and the following summer she interned for the Playhouse Dramaturge. Upon graduation she was awarded scholarships to George Washington University in Washington, DC. She received degrees in International Relations and Economics with honors.
We are still unsure what happened. She was out with law school students when she complained of a pain in her chest and immediately collapsed. Paramedics came to her aide but were unsuccessful. Additional tests are required to determine the cause.
If you have any questions about the information below, please contact Seth Liber on Facebook or 646-216-9860 .
OBITUARY IN NC TIMES
Her obituary in the North County Times may be accessed here.
NY MEMORIAL SERVICE
The recording of the service is available via the Brooklyn Law School website. You can access via this link.
TWEETS
Megan Dixon is putting together a book for Alison’s parents. If you’d like to add a message, either (a) fill it out electronically and email it to megandixon1@gmail.com or (b) print, hand write and mail to the address below:
Megan Dixon
220 1st Avenue, Apt 8
New York, NY 10009
BLOG
If you’d like to add thoughts / experiences / etc via the blog setup by Jen Girdish, please check out this link:
To log in, please contact Joni Samilin for instructions.
PHOTOS
The Picasa photo album is also available for viewing & contributing.
Some of these photos were also turned into a slideshow for the service, which can be viewed here.
SCHOLARSHIP FUND
In lieu of flowers they have set up donations in Alison’s honor to start a scholarship fund and/or support one of the humanitarian efforts that she dedicated her services to.
Donations can be made to the Facebook donations page.
DONATIONS
Alternatively, you can send a check made out to Brooklyn Law School, and indicate either on the check and/or in an accompanying letter that the money is being given in honor of Alison Matela.
Send to:
Brooklyn Law School Office of Development
250 Joralemon Street
Brooklyn, New York 11201
To send condolence messages to Alison’s family, please contact Joni Samilin; she’ll let you know how to reach them.