This is just ‘Au revoir’

For Mary Ann Todd-Williams the end of this school year marked an important and bittersweet milestone. Administrators, colleagues, and friends gathered in early June to say a special ‘Au revoir’ to Mary Ann who is retiring after thirteen years as a French Teacher at Sidwell MS and US. Both as a Sidwell parent (Nick, class of ‘06 and Chris class of ’09) and educator, Mary Ann has had a passionate interest in Sidwell. Her love of French, sensibilities, interests (notably in language and visual arts-- French impressionists and Films), and positive energy, have left enduring impressions on her students and colleagues alike. Mary Ann was attentive to the needs of her students, reaching out to those who needed an extra helping hand. She prized and managed the French Work Program. To the many Sidwell students she has nurtured, Mary Ann has passed on a very important lesson: you have to care and apply yourself.

Mary Ann lit up the Language Department with her always-upbeat attitude, her humor, and warm personality. Mary Ann was invariably the first to acknowledge birthdays, and to cheer up a colleague when disappointments occurred. A loyal and supportive colleague and friend, she made herself available to help whenever needed without counting the extra hours, and participated in all-school meetings and Meetings for Worship.

Mary Ann is one of those people who make one smile and her environment a better place. She leaves behind a big empty space. She is already missed. To those who ask about her future plans, Mary Ann’s reply – “None!” - reflects the freedom that comes with her decision to make the most of her retirement and dedication to her loving family— the core of her existential being. She says this is only an “Au Revoir.” We look forward to her visits and occasional help in the Language Department.

So, ‘À bientôt’, Mary Ann!