Margot Maessen-van Mierlo

Again we are confronted with the fact that a much-loved former colleague has passed on. At the age of 76, Margot Maessen–van Mierlo died peacefully in her sleep in the night from 20 to 21 February 2014. In her, we have lost yet another remarkable Rijnlander. As a teacher of English and later as vice-principal of the junior classes, Margot left a distinctive mark on our school from 1974 to 1998. Today’s teacher room does not resemble in any way the one she left in 1998, so when I announce her sudden passing, people react respectfully but placidly. Yet on the faces of the few colleagues who vividly remember Margot it is clear to see that their memories of her are filled with warmth. Many of us remember her inspiring positivism. Though life treated her unkindly more than once, her gaze remained optimistically fixed on the future and its new chances and infinite possibilities. Earning her master’s degree was of course a more than valid reason for celebration in Uithoorn, and at the top of our lungs we sang Kwis’ lyrics: “Monday morning lesson time/ wasted Mrs. Maessen’s prime/ Friends and relations/ You turned down her invitations……”, and Margot roared with laughter. That hearty laugh has now sadly been silenced forever.

At her goodbye party Margot quoted the poet Hans Dorrestijn; his words are too appropriate not to be repeated here:

“A human being occupies his body, / But he only has it for rent. / And the Great Silent Landlord / Turns out cruel in the end.”

John Swieringa