My sister's eulogy of Denette Kreuger-Gilmore

I missed Denette's fuenral and am more upset that I did not visit her when she was still alive and fighting her battle with cancer. My sister was her principal and eulogized her at the funeral. She said it was the hardest thing she'd ever done, but that she was very proud of herself for doing it. I'm proud of her too. She sent me this copy of her speech. I thought I would publish it here so I can remember her when I want to. LOVE YOU, DENETTE!

As delivered by Jennifer Taylor-Zschiesche, Sunday, January 20, 2008
St. John's Lutheran Church, Hamilton, Texas.


What a privilege and an honor to be able to remember a remarkable teacher and friend. I am Jennifer Zschiesche, and I am the principal at Ann Whitney Elementary School. I brought several people with me, Mrs. Melissa Crim, Mrs. Tina Dittrich, Mrs. Barbara Johnson, and Mrs. Mona Gloff who are all part of Mrs. Gilmore’s fifth grade team.

Denette, Mrs. Gilmore, as many of you know her, came to Ann Whitney Elementary from Copperas Cove. (This year’s graduating seniors were her first class at Ann Whitney). I was so excited that we had finally snagged this incredible teacher to teach our students science in the fifth grade and that Denette was joining our team! I knew it was going to be good.

Mrs. Gilmore viewed her profession as a teacher as a place where not only knowledge could be taught, but also as a place for loving kids.

Denette had a tremendous heart. She was the gift to children. Her passion at our school was not just science, but also making sure students were treated fairly. Denette was an advocate for children. She worked diligently on our consistency council. Mrs. Gilmore would come into my office troubled about a student. Maybe she wanted to just talk to them and counsel them rather than punish them. Students thrived in her classroom and always respected Mrs. Gilmore. She had high expectations for all kids and they achieved well under her care and direction. She loved her students and many of you can attest to her calmness and stability in an unstable world.

Science was her passion as well. She taught many lessons, experiments, and labs that kept students excited about learning. Not many teachers would enjoy dissecting sheep eyes…the kids loved it! I didn’t make it to that lab on purpose. Mrs. Gilmore taught our students to be advocates for the world. She headed up the daunting task of sorting through piles of elementary trash for recycling. Students would strive to know and understand more about their world with her guidance.

With her illness, Denette continued to teach. She taught all of us one of life’s hardest lessons – dealing with death. She held strong to her faith and shared her thoughts, feelings, and profound wisdom to ease our hearts. She was worried about us – as she showed us her unbelievable courage and faith through this tough battle she faced.

We are all struggling with the loss of a colleague, friend, and dear family member, but Denette would want us to learn something from this. She’s taught me to spend more time focusing on the blessings and always to love all children with all your heart.

I would like to share this thought with you as we remember Denette.

You are struggling…
I see it, I feel it, I hurt for you.
But I must tell you dear friend,
I believe with all my heart that you will emerge
Somehow wiser, stronger and more aware.

Hold onto that thought.
Tuck it away in the corner of your heart until the hurt melts enough for the learning to have meaning.

Mrs. Gilmore, Denette, you will be missed by your colleagues, your neighbors, your students, and most especially your family. What consoles us now is the knowledge that you are back again to your Heavenly Father’s embrace to enjoy the same love you generously gave and showed to the world, your students, and throughout your life. We love you, we miss you, and we are thankful for having you in our lives.