MONROE — St. Victor School played a big role in helping 8-year-old Bella Teasdale grieve after losing her 16-year-old sister Anya Teasdale, who died in a car crash in February 2017.
As a gesture of gratitude, Bella and her mother, Jennifer Fox, have purchased Scholastic books for all 108 students at St. Victor.
“It makes me kind of happy to know I’m helping people,” Teasdale said.
When Fox asked Teasdale toward the beginning of the school year if she wanted a book from the monthly Scholastic book order, she pointed out that not all students are able to purchase books. Teasdale knew then she wanted to help.
It makes me kind of happy to know I’m helping people.Bella Teasdale, 8
Teasdale talked to the teachers at each of the elementary school’s grade levels and appropriate books were chosen — some including classics like “Old Yeller” and “Charlotte’s Web.” She said she felt it’s important for everyone to have books so they know how to read as an adult.
The books were bought for a different class each month, sometimes more than one class in a month. By March, every student at St. Victor School had a book from Teasdale and her mother.
When students open their book, they can find a label from Teasdale, with the inscription: “From Bella Teasdale In Memory of Anya Teasdale.”
Fox said there were always books in their home as Anya was growing up and that both sisters enjoyed reading. Teasdale said she remembers a few times where her sister Anya had read to her.
Teasdale said her favorite book is “Forever or a Long, Long Time,” by Caela Carter, a story about a girl who loses her sister and learns that love can never be divided.
When she gave the books to her classmates, Teasdale said most were pleasantly surprised. Especially moved by Teasdale getting books for everyone was her third grade teacher, Audrey Caldwell.
I never knew Anya, but I can tell how much love Bella has for her sister. I thought it was such a sweet gesture she wanted to do something like this to honor her sister’s memory.Audrey Caldwell, third grade teacher, St. Victor School
“I never knew Anya, but I can tell how much love Bella has for her sister,” Caldwell said. “I thought it was such a sweet gesture she wanted to do something like this to honor her sister’s memory.”
Fox said giving back to the students at St. Victor School also felt important because several of them were affected by Anya’s death. A number of them had Anya as a gymnastics teacher at the Green County Family YMCA.
“St. Victor has been with Bella through everything and they’re like a big family,” Fox said. “It’s nice to give back in Anya’s memory.”
