It was my first week on the job at the Evesham Township School District. There were seven elementary schools and two middle schools to explore, new faculty members to meet and a lot of learning to do.
I visited a few of the elementary schools first, especially the ones closest to the administration building where I worked. But then I carved out a chunk of time to tackle Marlton Middle School with its two wings, Yellow and Blue House, and a large group of teachers and administrators with whom to connect.
The secretary greeted me with enthusiasm and said, yes, Ms. Steward was in her office. Being the principal of such a large school is a demanding job and I was pleased she had made time for me. I walked down the hall to her office and found Helen Steward standing at the doorway with her arms out, wearing a smile as big as all outdoors.
"You're finally here!," she exclaimed. To my somewhat quizzical expression, she continued, "I've known you for several lives and I'm so happy you're here in this one. I've been waiting for you."
As a young woman, Helen had been Sister Theresa Edward, a member of the Peekskill Franciscans. She left the convent at 32 and devoted the rest of her life to the education of children. Most of the time, I called her Theresa, the name she loved and had proudly shared with family members who came after her. Ironically, Theresa happens to be my middle name.
Theresa was a kid magnet. Every time I visited the school, she was in the hallways surrounded by students. She radiated love and understanding and the kids felt it. Some years after she retired, she was called back into service at her original teaching home, Beeler Elementary School, to substitute for the principal who was out on maternity leave. Her health wasn't the greatest but she jumped at the chance to be back at Beeler. I stopped by there regularly to say hello and unfailingly, she would be in her scooter in the halls, little kids hanging on her arms, following her like the Pied Piper.
Theresa was love. It shone from her eyes and was communicated in her smile. Her sense of humor was legendary among everyone who knew her. She was kind, compassionate and caring. She didn't dwell on her own ill health, but relished the company and stories of others' lives, although she was a consummate storyteller herself.
We who knew Helen Theresa Steward were blessed. She left this life at 85 with the full expectation of being greeted by the God she served and then embarking on whatever adventure the afterlife held for her.
Rest in peace, dear Helen. You are missed.
