Honoring Miss Shirley
/A commemorative street sign was installed in front of the St. Casimir Catholic School to honor their long-time Crossing Guard, Shirley Hamer, who passed in September, 2019.
A commemorative street sign was installed on S. Kenwood Avenue in front of the St. Casimir Catholic School in November to honor their long-time Crossing Guard, Shirley Hamer, who passed in September 2019. Councilman Zeke Cohen joined students, faculty and friends to help unveil the sign reading “Ms. Shirley Hamer Way”.
Ms. Hamer served as a crossing guard at Saint Casimir for longer than most of the teachers have been at the school, 39 years! She greeted everyone with a kind word and a smile each morning.
A few years back, Ms. Hamer retired, but the school found her to be so irreplaceable that she eventually returned to Saint Casimir Catholic School where she helped children and families stay safe and feel welcome.
One student was heard commenting, “She always kept me safe”.
Neighbor Cassie Chrzanowski said, “She worked until she was 84. Proof that she loved her job. God bless you, Ms. Shirley. We love you.”
Everyone agreed she was endlessly kind and compassionate. Zeke Cohen remarked, “Her heart was bigger than this world. The history books may not remember her, but we will.”
Rest in Peace, Miss Shirley.
Photos courtesy of Canton resident Catherine Smertycha Chrzanowski and St. Casimir Catholic School.