Crossing Guard Obituary Stirs Up Social Media Tribute

Brion Hanlon went to Laurel Plains Elementary School back in the day. So when he saw Mary Terribile's obituary on New City Patch, he posted it to a Facebook group designated for former students. 

"I figured there would be others like me who do not live in the area but would want to know she had passed," he said. 

The response was immediate. 

"Back when kids used to walk to school in the 70's and 80's, there was a great lady named Mrs. Terribile who would greet us at the top of the small hill that seemed a little steep back then," Hanlon wrote in his initial FB post. "Those of us who lived in the older neighborhood south/west of the school would walk up the driveway where the busses and cars entered the school grounds. Mrs. T always knew if there was any trouble... a childhood spat, or one of the kids lagging behind for some reason... and in the most loving and trusted way she made sure we looked out for each other and nudged us along to go straight home. For me and hundreds of kids of that generation, she is an icon of a small but powerful bit of Americana that does not exist in quite the same way in many parts anymore. I'd like to think she has merely been promoted to adapt to the changing times and take her Crossing Guard duties to the sky."

Here are some of the 20 responses to his post. 

Wendy Felter- McVey: She was & clearly is an Angel. She most certainly was our angel all those years ago. Her kindness & concern for all of us will never be forgotten. God Bless Mrs. Terribile; thank you for being such a precious part of my life. You will never be forgotten. xoxo

William Ferguson: Always kind and quick to lend assistance to any student in need, Mrs. Terribile will be forever remembered amongst Laurel Plains families as such a friendly, trusted, helpful & bright fixture on Teakwood Lane. I'm sad to learn of her passing. Condolences to the Terribile family.

Judith Schiano Jevnik Aw, Mrs. Terribile, I still have a pink milk shake candle that she made and gave out as favors at Gina's Birthday party. It was so pretty that I never got rid of it. Life was so different back then. People seemed to really care about each other and Mrs. T. Was like our extended Mother making sure we were all safe. She always had a smile.

James Heinz: The most amazing thing about this wonderful woman was that she knew everybody's name. To touch that many lives and for me to be so sad 40 years after I have seen her last I realized how she touched my life. I know I never thanked her for keeping me safe when crossing in front of Laurel Plains elementary school. So I'm going to thank you now, thank you for keeping my fellow students as well as myself safe during all the years I attended Laurel Plains elementary. Rest in peace.

The outpouring touched her relatives, who posted this vintage photo and an appreciation of the group. 

John Terribile: On behalf of myself and the rest of my family I want to thank all of you for the kind words you have spoken about our mother. She loved her job as a crossing guard and always remembered all of the kids. Thank you for your prayers at this difficult time.