In the more than two decades that Deborah Dunsworth Quinn taught at Sheridan Way School in Ventura, her friends, colleagues and young students said the energetic redhead was passionate about education and taught others about the beauty of different cultures.

As a wife to Neil Quinn, former Ventura County chief deputy public defender, she was a constant supporter, and to her three daughters, Vanessa, Robin and Zoe, she was a consummate inspiration and provider.

To her friends, she was a pillar of strength, the one who would always lend her shoulder to cry on and offer comforting advice.

Teacher, wife, mother, friend, giver. To all who knew her, Deborah Quinn was "The Little Wonder" who wore many hats and whose life they celebrated Sunday afternoon. More than 400 family members, friends, students and colleagues gathered at Ventura Unified School District's Education Service Center on West Stanley Avenue, many bearing bouquets of spring flowers in memory of the longtime educator.

Quinn, 58, of Ojai died Tuesday after her vehicle collided with a sport utility vehicle on Highway 33 near Casitas Springs.

The district office ground was transformed into an outdoor tribute area for the educator who specialized in bilingual education. Students' shaky handwriting on posters praised their teacher, while colleagues expressed how much they love and will miss "Quinnsky."

One by one, friends, former students and family members spoke about Quinn's warmth and her selfless nature.

Deputy public defender Todd Howeth said he remembered when his friend consoled him during a difficult time in his life.

"I was in the middle of a death penalty trial and my marriage came unraveled," Howeth said. "Suddenly I was a single father with two children and no home. She said, It's OK. I talked to Neil and you can stay here. I will watch your children. I will feed them, clothe them and make sure they get safely to school.' She said to me, It's OK. I promise you things will be much better someday,' and she was right."

Alejandra Davila and Guillermo Rosales, both 13, credited her with teaching them how to speak English. Her encouragement and patience made the difference, both said.

"In my life I have never met a teacher like Mrs. Quinn," said Rosales, who is now an eighth-grader at De Anza Middle School. "When I needed advice, she would always guide me in the right path. Mrs. Quinn taught me, and I am grateful for that."

Daughter Robin Quinn addressed her mother's former students in Spanish.

"It's incredible for us that the love that you have for her is the same love that she had for you," Quinn said, her voice trembling.

Ventura Unified School District Superintendent Trudy Tuttle Arriaga said the gathering was a true celebration of the life of her former colleague and friend. Posters with numerous pictures of the Quinn family were displayed on tables, while examples of Mexican art that Deborah Quinn loved were displayed near the stage.

While the band Los Amigos played "De Colores," family members passed around an ofrenda, or offering, of baked goods like the ones Quinn made for relatives and friends during each holiday season, including chocolate-covered apricots, ginger cookies and shortbread.

Standing on stage with his family behind him, Neil Quinn sent a final message to his wife.

"Deborah, I love you," he said. "I miss you. I'm sorry for not doing everything perfect, but I will carry on your teaching and your character and your love for our children and we are going to carry on as a family."