MADELEINE PRINGLE

An early reference to Belgium for me came from my knowledge of this lady and her family as I knew them last century more than later in part because of my interest in Belgium so I educated myself about the country. Connection with her family was straight forward and thematically linked with people who taught in the area schools. Inroads to the getting a handle on the French language and coming to terms with a few things European was a consequence of me knowing her family. Coming to terms with French terms with the French language was an easier road to follow for several reasons. In my collection of books are three or more dealing with Belgium today. I read them and know about the country in part because of her family.

I had Mrs. Pringle as a French teacher in High School back in the 70's. She was very good. Le distance fait l'amour plus forte. Attendez: pouvez-vous entendre mon coeur?

Thank you Mrs. Pringle.

Michele, Sorry for your loss. It's been many years, but have fond memories of you and your parents from my childhood.

Let me offer and extend many condolences and much sympathy for the family of Madeleine Pringle. I knew her briefly last century largely as a result of a being part of a network of foreign language teachers who were connected to my mother's teaching position at the Akron City Schools. Today I know her daughter and son-in-law - Michelle and Michael Santee - in large part as a result of my lengthy affiliation with foreign language classes at The University of Akron last century. I went once to Madeleine's former house in Silver Lake for a gathering of people with interests in teaching foreign languages. Nothing spectacular as I recall just a few people who knew each other. I offer Michel Santee and Michele my feelings of sorrow. My mother spoke fondly of Madeleine. Much of the inspiration for studying French came I believe from knowing something about what these teachers did in their classrooms. It is too difficult to describe or explain now but there was something important in the relationship with these people - especially Madeleine. Today reading a map of Belgium or a book that deals with the history of that country is part of my education - maybe part of the legacy of her inspiration for me to follow. I am sure that her legacy as a teacher was lasting, immense and important for far more other people in addition to me. I acquired time then to make intellectual inroads in the study of contemporary Europe - especially Belgium. Resources were different then than today for gaining motivation for taking a course in French but I think that my relationship with those teachers and Madeleine did something lasting for me to continue the study the language. I will remember her.

Many condolences and much sympathy for the family of Madeleine Pringle. I knew her briefly largely as a result of the network of foreign language teachers connected to my mother's teaching position with the Akron Public Schools last century. Now I offer her daughter Michelle and son-in-law Michael Santee my feelings of sorrow. In an indirect way Madeleine was a source of pride in my effort to learn French many years ago. My feelings of sorrow for her mother's death go with memories of talking with her and her daughter ands son-in-law about foreign languages. In many indirect ways - difficult now to explain or describe - Madeleine was a source of pride or positive inspiration for my efforts to learn French last century. I visited her home once in Stow or Silver Lake area last century. By learning about her role as a teacher it was easy for me later to learn about Belgium. Reading a map of Belgium or reading about that nation's history has become important for me now. Her legacy as a teacher was immense and positive and long lasting I suppose.

To the family of Madame Pringle:
My deepest sympathy on your loss. I attended four years of French class with Madame at Firestone High School back in the 1970s, and Madame made a lasting impression on me through her love of the French language and culture, and how she wanted to convey that to us. She added an element of European sophistication to our rag-tag class of teenagers. She was always serious about the process of education, but had a lighter side, too. I remember some great moments when we were able to get Madame to laugh with us in our struggle to learn the language. She leaves behind a great legacy to all her students, and I will always look back fondly at the time we spent with her and how lucky I was to have her for a teacher.

Offering our deepest condolences during this time.

I am a Firestone High School graduate from 1980. Friends of mine were sharing numerous fond memories of "Mrs. Pringle" on Facebook today because she was our French teacher and a very good one at that!

Merci pour les leçons et vous souhaite un bon voyage avec le grand esprit... Barbara Gionti

Michele, it was always great to see your mother at West Point Market, and it was so nice to meet you as well. She led an amazing life and certainly experienced teen-aged years that we who live in the comfort of a nation never occupied cannot imagine. She was quite a lady. God bless you and your family.