A Pillar of Our Community: Buffalo Bids Farewell to Its Most Cherished Crossing Guard

For half a century, come rain, snow, or glorious sunshine, a familiar, reassuring figure stood sentinel at the corner of Elmwood and Forest, her stop sign a beacon of safety and her smile a warm greeting. Margaret 'Maggie' O'Connell, Buffalo's beloved school crossing guard, has officially hung up her stop sign, retiring after an incredible 50 years of dedicated service to the children and families of our city.

Maggie, now 82, began her tenure in 1974, a time when disco was just beginning to groove and the Bills were still finding their footing.

From those early days, she wasn't just a crossing guard; she was a neighborhood institution, a surrogate grandmother, and a daily dose of cheer for countless students navigating their way to school. Generations have passed through her watchful eye, from toddlers taking their first steps towards independence to high schoolers who once were those very toddlers.

Her commitment was legendary.

Through blizzards that crippled the city and scorching summer days, Maggie was there, unflappable and ever-present. Parents speak of her unwavering reliability, her keen eye for danger, and the genuine care she extended to every child. 'She knew every kid's name, their parents, even their dogs!' shared Sarah Jenkins, whose three children and now two grandchildren were all safely guided by Maggie.

A retirement ceremony held last week at PS 197 was a testament to her profound impact.

Students, teachers, parents, and city officials gathered, many tearfully, to express their gratitude. Mayor Brown presented Maggie with a key to the city, proclaiming, 'Maggie O'Connell is more than a crossing guard; she is a cornerstone of Buffalo, a living embodiment of service and community spirit.

She has literally paved the way for thousands of our children to grow up safe and loved.'

When asked about her secret to five decades of dedicated service, Maggie, with a twinkle in her eye, simply said, 'It's simple, dear. I love these kids. Every single one of them. They were my sunshine every morning and my joy every afternoon.

It never felt like work.' Her humility belies a profound legacy of quiet heroism.

As Maggie steps into a well-deserved retirement, the corner of Elmwood and Forest will undoubtedly feel a little different. But the lessons of kindness, dedication, and community she taught, simply by being herself, will continue to echo through the streets of Buffalo, a testament to one extraordinary woman's enduring impact.