and managed the Media Center in the Secondary
Schools for the last five years of her career. She never
married but treasured all the students she taught
and mentored as “my children.” And their lives are
forever blessed by her effervescent spirit.
In her memorial address the Rev. Erik Buss
began: “We gather today to honor Miss Mary Lou, as
so many know her – teacher, caring friend, dramatic
personality, wonderful human being.”
Erik marveled that “not many people can span
Miss Mary Lou during
from kindergarten to college so effectively and have
her teaching years
people give passionate testimonials from all levels,
some 60 or 70 years later!”
One former college student marveled at the way she coaxed him through
a big role in a play, how “she took the time to believe in me,” and what a huge
impact that has had in his life. She left that kind of appreciation and affection
among all of “her children.”
A sense of humor and a flair for drama lit up Mary Lou’s life, which is why
everyone remembers her with a smile.
Some students will never forget her standing on her desk to get their
attention, as Robin Williams did in Dead Poets Society.
One recalled “her dramatic teaching techniques, acting out elements from
history and stories we studied,” sometimes running between lectern and desks
to dramatize epic battles in history. Another treasures a vision of her “dressed
in a flapper dress and dancing around the classroom.”
I never had her as teacher but love the story of a senior class trip to
Washington, DC, when she surprised and entertained even the staff at Ford’s
Theater by taking the stage and re-enacting the assassination of Abraham
Lincoln. That’s how spontaneous and genuine she was.
But all of this, as Erik noted, was not showing off but was all about inspiring
her students. One of them said: “She brought history and literature alive. One
of my majors in college was history – because of her – not just the way she
taught it but because she got us reading historical fiction and that became a
love of mine. She most definitely planted the seed and watered it well.”
That is the sign and the legacy of a master teacher – someone who inspires
a love for learning by being a loving, caring, committed person herself.
She made each student feel special to her, and thus a sense of being worthy
themselves.
She once said of working on dramatic productions in the old Assembly
Hall: “What I cannot ever forget are the students who touched and enriched
my life. It would take pages to enumerate them all, but I remember them with
deep affection.”
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