'She loved our school and all of us who worked for her'

By Cristina Cabrera Jarro -

HIALEAH| Victoria Flutie-Leon, former principal of Immaculate Conception School, died Oct. 23, 2024. She was honored during a funeral Mass Oct. 29, 2024, at Immaculate Conception Parish.

“Mrs. Leon exemplified the mission and ministry of Catholic education through her lifetime of dedication to the Immaculate Conception community,” said Jim Rigg, superintendent of Catholic Schools, via email to the Florida Catholic.

“She positively impacted generations of students at the school, and I know her presence will be sincerely missed,” he added.

Immaculate Conception School announced Flutie-Leon’s passing over social media, sharing prayers and condolences with her family and all who knew her. More than a 1,000 former students and friends reacted to the post, leaving comments that regarded Flutie- Leon as “a legend,” “a beautiful soul,” “compassionate,” “a guiding light,” and “a source of strength.” One of her earliest students even remembered her for her attire, writing, “She wore the coolest 1980s makeup and stylish clothing.”

Flutie-Leon began her teaching career at Immaculate Conception in 1983 as a Spanish teacher. Mylene Casamayor, who was an eighth-grader at the time, remembers her in the classroom. Years later, they became colleagues and friends at the school. They encouraged each other daily with inspiring and faith-filled Bible verses. Casamayor believes that Flutie-Leon exemplified the strong faith she preached, and entrusted that all in life is part of God’s plan.

“Victoria often said ‘God is great all the time!’ This showed me the importance of always noting the good in all of life’s circumstances. My beloved friend Victoria will always be in my heart,” said Casamayor, who teaches second grade.

Flutie-Leon also taught fifth and seventh grades at Immaculate Conception. She became the school’s guidance counselor in 2001, assistant principal in 2009, and principal in 2013.

“I am very proud and honored to be the leader of such a wonderful school,” Flutie-Leon wrote in her principal’s bio for the Florida Catholic newspaper, published Sept. 23, 2013.

“She loved our school and all of us who worked for her,” said Patricia Berdeal, a third- grade teacher at Immaculate Conception.

Berdeal was also a student of Flutie-Leon.

“Victoria was a big part of my life. She was my teacher, my colleague, my supervisor, and most importantly my friend. Throughout the years, she always gave me support, personally and professionally, showing me always the great faith that she lived her life with. I will truly miss her.”

Born in Hialeah on April 29, 1959, Flutie-Leon was of Irish, German and Lebanese descendent. She was a product of public schools but attended religious education classes at Immaculate Conception Parish. She obtained her undergraduate and graduate degrees from Barry University in Miami Shores.

Flutie-Leon is survived by her husband, Luis, her children and grandchildren.