Welcome! We're glad you're here.
Deanna was beloved – loving, tireless, joyful, and an unapologetic advocate for kids and their families. Her entire career was focused on creating student-centered environments for children to learn, grow, and thrive. Some might say her superpower was her sharp analytical mind and her command of child-facing policy, but we know it was the enormous heart and humanity that went along with it. Her driving spirit was kindness, joy, wonder, and humility. She lived her life the way she pushed our work — in community, giving of herself, taking care of kids, animals, plants, and us. We know she will continue to guide us, and we will do our best to listen.
This page is for you to look through photos, view the program for her Celebration, and share your stories and memories. While we built this page for the event, come back and visit any time you'd like.
If you'd like to make a donation to the Memorial Fund that the Niebuhrs set up, you'll be supporting nonprofit organizations that align with the causes and values that Deanna held dear, like ovarian cancer research, care for children and animals, social justice efforts, and public education.
A Celebration of Life for Deanna Niebuhr
Thursday, May 7, 2026
1:00pm - 3:00pm PST
Auditorium, Magnes Collection of Jewish Art and Life, UC Berkeley
2121 Allston Way, Berkeley, CA 94720
Welcome
Deanna would probably tell us to stop fussing and just talk to each other. So that's what we're going to do. We’re glad you’re here.
Arrival & Connection
Take your time. Look around. Find someone you haven't seen in a while.
Video Tribute
A glimpse into Deanna’s life–her joy, her work, and the community she built.
Welcome & Opening Remarks
Offered by the team at Community Schools Learning Exchange (CSLX)
Stories of Deanna: A Conversation
People who knew Deanna from across her life–family, colleagues, co-conspirators–share memories and the many ways she shaped us.
Your Turn
Deanna always made space for every voice in the room. We invite you to share your stories of Deanna. Following small group conversations, we'll come back together to share out.
Story Exchange Prompts:
⁕ Share a story about Deanna that brings you joy or when
you witnessed absolute joy radiating from her.
⁕ Share a story that describes Deanna’s commitment to
youth, families, and communities.
⁕ Share a story that uplifts Deanna’s passions and/or
values.
⁕ Tell us something Deanna taught you or
something about her you'd like to emulate.
Community Reflections
Reflections shared with the whole community, including readings on behalf of those who couldn't be with us in person today.
Presentation of State Commendation
Honoring Deanna’s enduring contributions and legacy.
Our Commitments
Deanna believed the most important work happened in relationship–not in policy documents, but in the moments when people actually showed up for each other. The best way to honor her is to live life the way she did: with joy, with humility, and with your whole heart.
We love you, Deanna.
