She wore her hair in a stylish French twist, but she could hit a softball out of the schoolyard. She was my third- and fourth-grade teacher, and I loved her.

Shirley Meyer never achieved anything as monumental as winning a gold medal, but she was a treasure who touched many lives. Miss Meyer led a full life, spanning 87 years, and spent most of them in Racine, Wisconsin. 

As my teacher at Burbank Elementary, she allowed me to bring in three mallard ducklings for show-and-tell. That was 60 years ago, but I still remember it today. 

Miss Meyer never won a Pulitzer for her journalism achievements, but I still have the report card that praised my achievements. I also still have the poem I wrote while in her class. It was published in a classroom booklet. “Trees are like friends,” it began. I was thrilled to receive the mimeographed booklet, and I still have it today. I credit her for helping spark my love for words.

Did you have someone who inspired you to try something new, launch a new hobby, or help you achieve a dream? Miss Meyer was my inspiration for choosing a career in teaching. She cared for children and made school fun. I hoped to do the same. Ironically, I was hired to teach fourth grade and had the opportunity to do so for over 30 years.

Miss Meyer was never honored with a humanitarian award, but she was there with a classroom of nine-and-ten-year-olds the day JFK was shot. She helped us deal with the confusion of our nation in crisis and guided us through the national tragedy.

Over the years, our relationship changed, and she asked me to call her Shirley. She became a family friend and enthusiastically joined our holiday gatherings. She created treasure chests for my siblings and me, black boxes with engraved gold plaques on top. Mine is still on display, an appropriate reminder of how special her friendship was.

Shirley attended special events in my life, such as holidays, proms, and my husband's and my wedding. (See photo.) She was a huge animal lover, and I asked her to come with me when I picked out a dog from the shelter. Ginger, a medium-sized mutt, adored Shirley.

She never solved global warming or won a Nobel Peace Prize, but she raised vegetables, using them to make soups, zucchini bread, and salsa. She freely shared them with others. 

Shirley may not have solved the homeless problem, but she cared for the unwanted cats in the neighborhood, fed the birds, and provided a wonderful home for her beloved dogs. Shirley adored chihuahuas. Her last one, Joy, provided her company in her aging years.  After the dog died, Shirley had her cremated and asked that her family place the ashes in her casket. Shirley and her dog are buried in Reedsburg.

Shirley Meyer didn’t make Time Magazine’s “The Most Influential People” list, but she made a difference.

Did you have a Shirley Meyer? Did you ever take the time to tell them what they meant to you?

Are you a Shirley Meyer for someone? Maybe a grandchild, neighbor, or youngster? 

We may not know how many lives we touch, but I do know that kind words and gestures stay with us long after they are spoken. You were a treasure, Miss Meyer, and your memory shines bright.