The Darlington community is saddened by the death of first-grade teacher Anne Somerville today after a long, heroic battle with cancer. Whether she was performing her infamous “tooty-ta” song and dance, writing letters to the tooth fairy, or turning difficult times into teachable moments, one thing is certain – she was always smiling.
“Mrs. Somerville has touched countless lives during her 13 years at Darlington, and it is difficult to imagine the Lower School without her energetic presence and contagious smile,” said Headmaster Tom Whitworth. “She is truly one of Darlington’s legendary teachers, one who will always be remembered for love of learning and her unwavering commitment to our students. She will be missed by many.”
Colleagues say they will forever remember Somerville as an encourager and supporter of everyone, especially her students. Her motto, “Build each other up. Don’t tear each other down,” was a way of life.
“Anne took every opportunity to teach in a very loving and caring way,” said Rebekah Montgomery (’79), first-grade aide and current parent. “My daughter Hannah, who is now a sophomore, was in her class for pre-K. At that time, the primary building was brand new, and one day Hannah just couldn’t resist pulling the shiny, red fire alarm. Instead of giving her time out, Anne took the moment to teach the class about fire safety, fire drills and fire trucks. She had this innate ability to turn everything into a great teaching moment without a second thought.”
Somerville also had a knack for making each child feel truly special. In 13 years of teaching, she forgot no one. From her very first pre-K class, whose members will graduate in May of this year, to the first-graders she taught last fall, each student was one-of-a-kind … and she made sure they knew it.
“My daughter Abby, now a junior, had Anne for pre-K,” said Vicki Vincent, class agent officer. “When she was 5, a snow storm struck Rome on the day of her birthday party. Only three classmates were able to make the trek to McDonald’s for the party, but her favorite teacher Mrs. Somerville came by with a beautiful gift. Neither Abby nor I will ever forget Anne and her dedication.”
Angela Pieroni, Middle School science teacher, recalls one night when her family ran into Somerville at a local Mexican restaurant. “My daughter Gianna had just swallowed her loose tooth and was so upset when Anne walked in,” Pieroni said. “Anne quickly assured her that she would go home and write the tooth fairy to make sure she would get her dollar. Gianna had no doubt that Anne had a direct line to the tooth fairy and would follow through with her promise. She absolutely instilled trust and love from all children.”
Bookstore Manager Renee Healy credits Somerville with helping her daughter Megan, now a seventh-grader, overcome shyness when she first arrived at Darlington nine years ago. “At first, Megan was having a hard time leaving me when I would bring her to school in the mornings,” Healy said. “Anne would come outside, give Megan a big hug, talk to her about all the wonderful things they would be doing that day, and walk her into the classroom. After about a week, Megan got out of the car without looking back and ran into Anne’s class. She will always hold a place in my family’s heart.”
Somerville will also hold a place in the hearts of several colleagues who have fought the battle with cancer alongside her – benefiting from her unwavering support, even during her own difficult times.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago, Anne was the first person to reach out to me even though we did not know each other at the time,” said Donna Watford, administrative assistant in the Admission Office. “Within 24 hours of my diagnosis, she had called to offer her words of inspiration and hope. She wanted to help me even though she, herself, was battling. I am forever grateful to her for her support and saddened that we lost such a wonderful person to this disease.”
Lola Bradshaw, who retired last year from the Lower School after 29 years at Darlington, fondly remembers her dear friend. “I watched Anne teach, write plays, direct activities, love each child so dearly, and still have so much time to care for others,” Bradshaw said. “We called each other ‘bosom buddies’ since we had both experienced breast cancer. The day I met with my oncologist last summer, she joined my family to encourage me to be strong when I received the diagnosis and treatment plan for my returning cancer. I have never known anyone who loved everyone, had such great faith and courage, and never complained about anything. She was my inspiration, and I told her that often.”
Somerville has always put others’ needs above her own. Thirteen years ago when she began teaching at Darlington, she gave each of her students her home phone number so they could talk to her any time. Third-grade teacher Alice Clements’ daughters called her every time they lost a tooth … but she would have it no other way. So when Somerville took a leave of absence from teaching this January, she again gave her students a slip of paper listing her phone number and told them they could call her any time, day or night.
“My son Jonathan absolutely treasures that piece of paper and the fact that she really meant what she said,” Pieroni said. “She knew how to reach these kids, and she will be dearly missed.”
The family will receive friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 28 at The King Hall in First Presbyterian Church of Rome. The funeral will be held Friday at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church. Daniel’s Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.
