Kristine A. Boccardi, 48, of Sunset Hills, died May 4 after a valiant battle with cancer. Mrs. Boccardi will be lovingly remembered by her husband Ray and precious daughters Maddie and Carly. She was born July 28, 1969, to Joe and Karen Pawlowicz, and she will be forever loved by her father and her late mother. She was the admired sister of Brian (Jessica) and has two dear nieces: Emilia and Daniela. She is the beloved daughter-in-law of Joe and Margaret. She was the dearest sister-in-law, aunt and friend and was adored by so many. Mrs. Boccardi taught kindergarten at Hagemann Elementary School in the Mehlville School District and is mourned by staff and students throughout the district. She Fought Like a Tiger to the very end and was the cherished teacher to hundreds of students. She joined the district in 1994 at Wohlwend Elementary and moved to Hagemann in 2007. Her Hagemann family says Kristi loved teaching kindergarten and always gave her time, money and heart to help any child or staff member, the school district said. Her students remember her as always being cheerful and smiling, even during her battle with cancer. She showed everyone what grace, courage and dignity look like.