To misquote Henry David Thoreau, “[There are among us those who] ... live quiet lives of inspiration [sic].”

Elisebet “Lis” Cassler, of Emmaus, belongs to this exclusive group.

Cassler grew up thinking in several languages. When she was 8 years old, her family immigrated to the United States. She laughs and explains initially when her parents wanted to have a private conversation, they spoke English. As Lis and her sisters gained fluency in English, her parents switched to Swedish for their “adults only” exchanges. However, first languages are never forgotten and Cassler confesses when she talks in her sleep, she does so in Swedish.

Bright and linguistically gifted, she holds degrees in French and Spanish.

Her family settled in Montclair, N.J. After completing high school, Cassler enrolled in Montclair State College, now Montclair State University and earned her degree in French.

She later took six levels of Spanish at Kutztown University because she realized adding Spanish to her language repertoire would make her more useful as a substitute teacher in the East Penn School District.

Through her church association, Cassler met her husband. He also possessed an interesting family background. His father was a pastor who worked for many years as a prison chaplain. One of his assignments was Alcatraz.

Shortly after their marriage, the couple settled in Emmaus and in 1968 Cassler found employment as a substitute teacher – a difficult role.

After the arrival of her children, Cassler took a 14-year hiatus from teaching, but not from service to children.

When her youngest child was in early elementary school, Cassler became a crossing guard at Sixth and Harrison streets in Emmaus. Although her street assignments periodically changed, she continually guided children to and from school for 40 years. She enjoyed her work as a crossing guard immensely and encourages others to volunteer.

Of her many interactions with children as a crossing guard, the tale of the “bonjour boys” is a favorite. As they were crossing the street, two elementary boys greeted Cassler with “bonjour.” To their surprise and delight, Cassler began conversing with them in French. Since the boys’ entire French vocabulary consisted of little more than “bonjour,” they giggled and continued on their way.

When her oldest child entered ninth grade, Cassler resumed work as a substitute teacher. One long-term assignment of teaching French to junior high students brought her back into contact with the “bonjour boys.” The boys had transitioned from acquaintances to students.

Cassler has lived in Emmaus since 1968 and maintains friendships with a variety of neighbors. Approximately five years ago, a new family arrived, one of whom is the sister of one of the “bonjour boys.” He is married and a father. Since their reconnection Cassler has seen him several times. They now share a hug when they meet.

In Cassler’s words, “If they hadn’t spoken French to me that day, we wouldn’t have gotten to this point.”

Community servant, teacher and linguist, Cassler also possesses talent as a seamstress. Her creations run the gamut from clothing to decorative household items. She continues to sew because, as she states, “I [have] had so much fun with the stuff.”

Cassler has freely given of her time and talents to her family, friends and community. Although she has retired from teaching and, more recently, from her work as a crossing guard, Cassler remains active and vital. Her days are truly spent living life well.

Note: Cassler expressed concern that the number of people volunteering to work as crossing guards is very low. She encourages anyone with the time to consider taking on this very necessary role. Interested parties should contact the Emmaus Police Department at 610-965-0722.