The Chief family lost one of its most beloved teachers over the weekend. Ms. Moreira passed away after a long battle with cancer. Former and current students as well as teachers took to social media to express their love, admiration and deep sadness at her passing.

“The world has lost a great educator and Santaluces Community High has lost a Tribal elder,” said Yearbook teacher Mr. Woods on his Facebook page. “I will remember Lucy Moreira for her passion in everything she did. She loved the art of teaching and her students … and her LSU Tigers!”

Students such as former Chief Junior Barthelemy thanked Ms. Moreira for her patience and dedication.

“You were so strong and always had faith, which always gave me a dose of confidence for life itself,” said Barthelemy on his Facebook page. ” You just always smiled knowing you had to deal with pain.”

Current students remembered her as a teacher who always made time for her students.

“She would sit down and actually help you,” said junior Jesus Dominguez, who was in Ms. Moreira’s class last year. “She was a nice person and a great teacher.”

Details for services, which will be held this weekend, have not been released.