A Charitable Teacher's Last Lesson

by Michele Cheplic | More from this Blogger

01 Oct 2006 04:18 PM

When I first heard about the Canadian teacher who lived a frugal life but gave large, anonymous donations to people in need, I wondered if she realized what an incredible legacy she would be leaving behind. I'm sure she didn't (hence the anonymity of her gift giving). I'm sure it was never her intention to have the spotlight shine on her generosity (posthumously). But since it is, I figured we could all take notes on how Roberta Langtry lived her life.

The 89-year-old Toronto woman had worked as an elementary school teacher and speech therapist for more than 50 years. All the while quietly amassing millions-mainly from financial investments (lest you think teachers in Canada get paid big bucks). Langtry reportedly kept her wealth a secret until her death last year.

"She was friends with all her neighbors and they loved her but had no idea she had two nickels to rub together," Robert Borden, her executor and long-time friend, told local reporters last week after it was announced that Langtry's $3.8 million dollar fortune would be given to an environmental charity.

Borden said Langtry was deeply concerned about the environment and also "incredibly frugal." Langtry's friends say she was frugal... and feisty. They say as a teacher she didn't hesitate to put people in their place. Langtry reportedly fired off many complaints to environmental groups whose newsletters were "a little too polished." In addition, she once urged Borden to invest her money in a company that made plastic picnic tables in the hope that they would take off, "curbing the need for wooden ones and helping save trees."

Months after Langtry's death Borden has finally come forward to reveal it was the humble teacher who sent hefty checks to people she thought "needed the money," often devising elaborate ruses to ensure the recipient never discovered who it came from.

As for the environmental charity that will benefit from Langtry's nearly $4 million dollar gift--The Nature Conservancy of Canada, told reporters the money would be used to support wetland conservation, among other projects.

I'm sure Langtry wouldn't have wanted it any other way.

Learn more about Michele Cheplic

Michele Cheplic was born and raised in Hilo, Hawaii, but now lives in Wisconsin. Michele graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison with a degree in Journalism.

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Megan Bayliss (3586) 01 Oct 2006 04:26 PM

Go Langtry. She's a modern day St Nicholette. I love to hear these serindipitous stories. It's nice to know that there are still people that care about our environment. Mxx

Michele Cheplic (38099) 02 Oct 2006 01:26 PM

Ditto Megan--I totally agree with you! Thanks for the comment!!