Mary Louise Washington, a longtime resident of Elkins Park and a crossing guard for Cheltenham Township for 46 years, has a new street sign bearing her name.

From Cheltenham School District’s announcement:

Through a collaboration between the Cheltenham School District, Myers PTO, and Cheltenham Township, a street sign honoring deceased, long-time Myers Elementary crossing guard Mary Washington was unveiled Thursday afternoon before a crowd of her family, teachers and community members. Ms. Washington served for nearly 50 years as a school crossing guard at Myers and left an indelible mark on the community.

The sign, which was unveiled today among family and loved ones, reads, “In honor of our beloved crossing guard”.

Washington’s son, Phillip, gave a speech about what his mother meant to the neighborhood and how much she loved her job.

“If Mom was here, she would want to say one thing. Make sure you do 15 through the school zone.” Phillip said, as quoted by NBC10. “Mom believed in the kids, she loved the kids, she loved the protection. Make sure you do 15 through any school zone; the kids are important; they’re our future.”

In November, the Cheltenham Township Board of Commissioners honored Washington upon her retirement.

“She is the matriarch of probably 150 collective years of public service, just from her family alone over the last 50 years. Quite inspiring, and thank you very much,” commissioner Ann Rappoport said.

Washington passed away on January 21 at the age of 83.

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Photos: Cheltenham School District