Crest Memorial School Library Dedicated To Late Principal’s Love of Books, Learning

WILDWOOD CREST ─ The human soul, the very nucleus of humankind, took center stage during the rededication of Crest Memorial Elementary School’s library Jan. 12. Although temperatures fell outside, the gymnasium bustled with light, warmth, and people.
Many who entered the school’s doors were former students, colleagues, friends, and family members who shared a part in Eileen Ramspacher’s life. Together they celebrated and honored her memory.
Ramspacher’s career, from her days as an English teacher in Wildwood to her tenure as principal at Crest Memorial, unfolded in personal remembrances and speeches given by former colleagues and friends. Ramspacher, described repeatedly as an “avid reader,” passed on her devotion to order, professionalism, and sincere love for children in the library that now bears her name.
In a poem by Emily Dickinson she too spoke of books and learning: “How frugal is the chariot that bears the human soul.”
Superintendent David Del Conte thanked all who attended. “Tonight we celebrate the career of Eileen Ramspacher,” Del Conte said.
Del Conte described Ramspacher as “a beloved principal, avid reader, and wonderful person.” Del Conte shared memories of his aunt and uncle who knew Ramspacher personally. When Del Conte taught first grade in Middle Township, he would meet with Ramspacher and discuss everything from educational methods to “what it takes” to be a good teacher and administrator.
Del Conte introduced a former colleague who, in his own words, called his time at Crest Memorial as “the best thing I’ve ever been a part of.”
Mayor Carl Groon took the podium and spoke of Ramspacher as a “game changer.” Hired in the early 1990’s as curriculum developer, Ramspacher began introducing and implementing changes in Crest Memorial.
In time, Crest Memorial began receiving state and local recognition for its success rate. “We were extremely fortunate to have her,” Groon said.
Dennis Anderson, who worked for Ramspacher for 21 years, shared memories of his colleague.
“In 1992, a force of nature walked through these doors,” Anderson began. Anderson, now an interim superintendent in Woodbine, emphasized Ramspacher’s humanity.
“She did not stand for fluff or empty programs,” Anderson said. According to Anderson, Ramspacher was congratulated by the board of education for her efforts and results. He remembered Ramspacher’s professionalism and also her teaching of decency and “something as old fashioned as manners.”
Anderson laughed while reciting Ramspacher’s rules of accepting an award: “Thumb up, fingers straight, shake one and two, and move on!”
Ramspacher persevered during difficult times as well. Anderson recalled a time when she had fallen and broken her ankle, leaving him to take the eighth grade class on a field trip. However, Ramspacher returned to school and served as “M.C.” for the eighth grade graduation ceremony. Anderson spoke of her love and care for her family, friends, and students in the community.
“Love recharged her,” Anderson said.
“She (Ramspacher) believed she was usually right,” said Anderson, describing the times when she would enter the office with slightly “red cheeks.” “Did you know what that German wants me to do?” Ramspacher had said on a number of occasions to Anderson, in reference to Groon. “I pointed out that she was German!” Anderson chuckled as laughter broke out across the room. 
Ramspacher’s love of books and learning was eulogized  by friend and colleague Ann Maria Guevara. Guevara recalled her friend’s contribution to their book club.
“She lived in a book, she wrestled with it,” Guevara said. Guevara also spoke of Ramspacher’s “copious notes” and precise handwriting. Guevara concluded her brief statements with a poem by Emily Dickinson: “How frugal is the chariot that bears the human soul.”
Ramspacher believed that “books are sacred,” according to Anderson and Guevara, who believe that if there truly is an afterlife, Ramspacher would be glad to rest among the books in the school she loved.
To contact Rachel Rogish, email rrogish@cmcherald.com.