He LOVED her.
Every once in a while you get to meet a soul who breaks your heart with sincerity and kindness. Paige Stapleton, more familiarly known around my corner of the world as Mrs. Stapleton, was one such person. Mrs. Stapleton was my son’s first preschool teacher. When my family set off last year to enter the very scary world of formal schooling full of ABCs and Show-n-Share days, she somehow used her grace and savvy to make us fall in love with preschool in general, with Hopewell Christian Preschool specifically, and with her.
Mrs. Stapleton taught through her days with a warmness and light that blessed all of those who crossed her path. She had a way of making each one of her 3 yr. old students feel like individual rockstars. She loved the little ones, giving each of them the gift of her beamingly genuine smile each time they walked through the classroom door.
My son loved his year in her class, and made quick plans for his sister to enjoy her first year of preschool with Mrs. Stapleton. He endlessly told his sister that she would “Go to Mrs. Stapleton’s class”. Unfortunately, she won’t have the chance. My daughter won’t be able to be hang out with Mrs. Stapleton next year, because last week she exited this earth. After a very recent cancer diagnosis with other complications she passed away on Thursday, leaving behind two sweet daughters. She’ll be joining her husband up in Heaven.
It’s one of those gut-punches when you know someone who so selflessly gave of themselves had to take an early exit cue. Mrs. Stapleton taught preschool to young ones at her church for 11 years and poured herself into this task. She gave her life to caring for others in so many ways. Through the service celebrating her life, her intense faith in God was so apparent. She lived for the Lord each moment of each day.
She was also fun and wasn’t scared to enjoy life. She laughed; she played. She was the Queen of Glitter. I will never forget this time last year when she sent all the kids home with homemade vases covered in red glitter as a Valentine’s gift for the mommies. To be honest, I cursed the glitter for weeks, finding it all over our minivan in endless crevices. I still occasionally spot a fleck or two. And you know what? I now hope I never stop chancing upon those teeny shiny red spots. The spots of love that Mrs. Stapleton sprinkled all over lives–in more ways than one.
Paige Stapleton was an example. An inspiration. A blessing.
So while we all work hard to dry our tears, we give thanks to God for letting her touch all of our lives and the lives of our kiddos here on this earth for the time that we had her with us. We love you, Mrs. Stapleton.
Please feel free to use this as a space to express any love, condolences, or memories.
The family is asking that all remembrances be made to:
Hopewell United Methodist Church‘s Assistance Fund, 852 Hopewell Rd., Downingtown, PA 19335.
As my dear and very smart friend Dawn so beautifully wrote:
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Kathy at kissing the frog says
Okay, you got me with the glitter – I’m bawling. I absolutely adored all of my sons’ preschool teachers, and Mrs. Stapleton looks no different – I can see it in her huge smile and bright eyes that she loved what she did, which was teaching children. It breaks my heart that beauty like that is so quickly taken from us, and I’m so sorry that your son and his friends had to lose her and that your daughter won’t get the chance to experience her love and joy. Sending prayers for her daughters and hugs for you and yours.
Meredith says
Kathy, thanks for always saying the perfect thing and “getting it” when there is a loss. xo
Amy says
You were a true gem, Mrs. Stapleton. Your big smile made any day brighter, and I am forever grateful for you fostering Bryn’s love of learning. She adored you so, so much. You will be very missed. Praying for your girls as you make your way to heaven and reunite with your husband.
Meredith says
Beautiful, Amy.
DAwn Koller says
Beautifully written, Friend. Much Love~
Meredith says
Honey, your poem is so powerful…xo
Janine Huldie says
Seriously, I was reading this and thinking of my older’s daughter’s pre-school teacher this year and just started to bawl. Her teacher is still very much alive and fine, but she sounds similar to Mrs. Stapleton, that she is so very kind and gracious with all the kids. She makes each one feel special and unique, too. That said, I am truly and deeply sorry for your loss here and thank you for sharing all your thoughts and memories of this wonderful lady here with us today.
Meredith says
Preschool teachers are such amazing people, Janine…give yours an extra hug for me!
Nancy says
What a beautiful tribute. I like to think that Mrs. Stapleton can see and hear all of the love you are sending her. I will keep her family, and all of you who knew and loved her, in my prayers today.
Meredith says
Thank you so much, Nancy.
Cynthia Gabriele Sprouts Consignment Boutique says
Sorry to hear of such a great loss to all. May she live on in the “Glitter” she has sprinkled on you!
Meredith says
May the Glitter always live on indeed, Cindy!
Kathy says
I helped at the piano during the annual Christmas preschool program. My vivid image of Mrs Stapleton is her glorious smile as she walked in the 3 yr old class with their “wholly lamb” head pieces. Yes, Mrs Stapleton, always wore her wholly lamb head piece too ! A priceless memory of a wonderful servant of God. May she rest in peace and may her daughters find comfort in the coming days, weeks, months and years.
Meredith says
Oh those wooly lamb headpieces! Will never forget those. Thanks for sharing this, Kathy.
Amy - Funny Is Family says
I read this in my daughter’s preschool parking lot today, and it took all I had to not knock the women who teach and guide her over with bear hugs. What a tragic loss for your community, the children and families her life touched, and her daughters. This is a beautiful tribute for an amazing woman. Hugs, friend.
Meredith says
You knock those sweet ladies over with hugs for me, Amy! Thanks, friend.
Teri says
She sounds like she was a fantastic person, and a wonderful teacher. My condolences.
Meredith says
Thanks, Teri.
Frugalistablog says
The good ones never have enough time with us. It breaks my heart. My sincere offerings of peace and comfort to those around Mrs. Stapleton that will miss her the most.
Meredith says
xo, Frugie.
Courtney says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Tears streaming. I don’t understand why so many good people don’t get to stay with us….
Meredith says
I know you know this better than anyone, Courtney. Love you.
Jen b says
Beautifully written… We were blessed to have had her be our children’s first teacher…she was just who we needed to be there for our kids… <3
Meredith says
So perfectly said…xo, Jen.
Stacey says
I hope you continually find red glitter for many years to come. This is such a beautiful tribute for her poor daughters. May they and all those who were touched by her love find strength and peace from your heartfelt story.
Meredith says
Always looking for the glitter…thanks, Stacey. xo
Lisa @ The Golden Spoons says
It is so hard to lose someone who is such a sweet and loving soul – it seems so unfair. You have given her a beautiful tribute here. Sending you condolences and prayers for comfort.
Meredith says
I appreciate this, Lisa…
Chris Carter says
Oh what a beautiful tribute to an incredible woman and teacher, Meredith!!! My heart always breaks when good people pass… they always leave behind so many broken hearts…but they also leave behind a glowing runway of light behind them as they lift off to heaven.
Meredith says
Wow, Chris, your words so beautifully capture how we are feeling. Thank you.
Janene says
Preschool teachers like that are hard to come by! I know because we lost one last year (our Mrs. Balmer) and it was heartbreaking. She sounds amazing. I’m so sorry your daughter won’t get to hang out with her and have the wonderful experience your son had . . . 🙁
Meredith says
Aw, Janene. I’m so sorry for your loss. Hugs, friend.
Anna says
Such a beautiful tribute, thank you for sharing.
Meredith says
Thanks, Anna.
Christine says
Meredith, what a beautiful tribute – thank you for capturing so well what we all loved about Mrs. Stapleton. She was the first teacher my two daughters Paige & Katy had. She and I had chuckled upon meeting about the name similarities with hers being Paige and she too had a Katie. My heart goes out to her two daughters, family, friends, and everyone at HCP. I shared your tribute on my FB wall, and here’s what I wrote:
A well-articulated tribute to one of the most beautiful women I knew. She loved God so much, and it showed through how she loved everyone around her. She made each child feel so very special, and us moms too. Have you ever really needed a hug? She had a way of sensing that, and was quick to give one of the warmest hugs to children and moms alike – she had a way of making every one of us feel so loved. I hope she knew she taught me as much as she did my girls, maybe more. I will miss her radiant smile, her understanding eyes, her contagious laugh, and her bubbling joy (a joy that came from deep within, despite many trials), those warm hugs, and the way she adored our kids. Thank you, Mrs. Stapleton for leaving such a beautiful legacy of love and faith. May I be as good a student as you were a teacher. <3
Meredith says
Christine, this is beautiful. Thanks so much for sharing. Love to you, the Katies, and of course, the Paiges. xo.
WhenCrazyMeetsExhaustion says
This is heartbreaking in and of itself, but to have to explain it to your little ones is just sooooooo sad. Fortunately, they have you for a mother and you’re pretty awesome. Hang in there and so sorry for your loss xo
Meredith says
Aw, thanks, Steph. Appreciate these kind words.
Michele Paiva says
I met Paige when our daughters were in preschool together… I remember her being very loving, upbeat all the time and generous with her laughing and smiles…
I stumbled upon this page.. at first I thought she was just being honored.. and now, I’m sitting here in shock. When my daughter comes home from work.. it’s going to be a tough message to relay.
May Paige be in peace and may her daughters have strength and support….and lots of love.
They were raised well…. they’ve got the tools for success in life…
Meredith says
Oh Michele, sorry for you to just find out by chance 🙁 Thanks for sharing your love for her here–so very well said.