"Step by step,
book by book, Verne Oliver has transformed dozens of libraries in underprivileged New York City schools. It's a second
career for the 89-year-old educator devoted to youth and literacy"
-Susan Kreimer, AARP Bulletin
To contribute to this page, please visit here to leave a tribute.
"I was her decidedly high on the list of the decidedly less than overly academic students, in Vern's, NLS the class of 1962, but we had wonderful dialogs, she was tolerant of my more "creative" bent, and I enormous respect for her, and of what she gave to me. It was a thrill to keep in touch with her, now and then for the past 50yrs-- face to face, here and there, and by e-mail the last time around Thanksgiving last year, then this year, I sadly stopped hearing back. And albeit she long ago insisted that it was time to start calling her Verne--rather than Mrs. Oliver,and I did-- it really never felt quite right. What a giant she was, in this world and gave so much, and I am greatly saddened to learn, that she is no longer with us. My condolences to all."
Janelly Mares on 19th October 2012
"Ms.Oliver was one of a kind,she was a great human being. A devoted person in everything she did. I thank god for putting her in my life. I'm deeply sad over this lost and she's now in heaven smiling down. You will forever be miss.Thank you for helping in all the ways you did..May you rest in peace."
D. Marie Grieco on 19th October 2012
My condolences to you on this great Loss in your family.
I know that Verne would be very pleased and proud of your tribute to her.
Of course, we all know, she would be so grateful for what your mother has done
not only during this recent dreadful period,
but also through the years when she has appreciated her,
even as she has always been concerned about her own personal health.
I am sure the whole family must laud Darrolyn for her caring and competance
during this oh-so stressful journey.
Verne has been my "sister" for a quarter of a century.
Your mother is one more awesome McCarroll!
With appreciation,
D. Marie Grieco
Jane (Lambert) Peck on 19th October 2012
"Grace, kindness, strength and beauty. What a gift to have had her in our lives at our coming of age. She showed us how it was done! NLS '67 Jane Lambert Peck"
milton sipp on 19th October 2012
"We have lost a legend in our field. But her work, her passion, and her dedication to us and to young people all over will live on in all of us. She mentored and inspired so many of us and is one of the reasons that we became educators. Verne, thanks for all you did and for how you lived your life. We love you and will never forget you. Peace, my friend!"
JoAnn Magdoff on 19th October 2012
"Verne was a wonderfully nuanced educator. She was an interested and informed teacher who cared about each of her students. I know I have always held her in a special place, as a model of who I try to be when I teach and supervise. And I remember her support and warmth towards me during the turbulent times of late adolescence."
Emily Kolker on 19th October 2012
"Verne was the mentor, guidance, leader and spiritual force that made New Lincoln the best school ever. Her smile and physical presence filled the room. She somehow knew each of her students and their families so well. She gave generously to education and to all who knew her, setting her students on their life paths. I will always think of her as one of the biggest influences on me."
michael jody on 19th October 2012
"Verne was an amazing human being. She was an outstanding teacher and administrator. She was warm, funny, smart, supportive, and I think made most of not all of us at NLS feel special. When I was in New Lincoln, we used to call her The Big O, which was a tribute to how outsized her influence was on us. She will be sorely missed. Goodbye Verne."
Barbara Buloff on 19th October 2012
"I am about 40 years older than Mrs. Oliver was when she came to NLS for the first time as our 10 th grade teacher in 1958
In her 30's she was as powerfully strong and influential in her marvelous abilities as a visionary and teacher as she continued to be until her death. She will always remain in my psyche/soul as a beacon of light RIP Mrs.O."
Jim Hawley on 19th October 2012
"For three years Verne (Oliver) was not my primary teacher but a teacher in an often co-taught class: 10th, 11th and 12th grades. I clearly remember were as someone who for me between the ages of 15+ and 17+ was a 'found of wisdom': thoughtful, reflective, inspired (in a low key yet most compelling manner), someone who influenced you.
Wendy Bellows on 19th October 2012
"Verne was the principal at New Lincoln school, an incredible school that I attended from 4-12 grades. She knew every one of us. She was an amazing, wonderful, dedicated educator/woman who impacted so many lives. A piece of her is now a part of each of us who knew her. How many people in the world can say THAT about their principal, eh?! (Thank you, Kelsey Lindsey, for this site.)"
Marci McCall on 18th October 2012
"Thank you Madam Oliver for your support, wisdom and guidance. You we're our fearless leader, always there for a laugh or advice. I thank you for all you did for me at New Lincoln school. 81' R.I.P Verne Oliver.
Marci M '81"
Lucy Geldzahler on 18th October 2012
"I will miss Verne Oliver. She left a legacyof state of the art school libraries for parocial school students. She instilled a love of reading,a desire to seek the best that education could offer,and even. trainied parents to work in her libraries. She was a most genrous and gentle
friend."
Chris Horton on 18th October 2012
"I'm so sorry that I missed "Mrs. Oliver" - her health failed just before our 50th class reunion where she had been expected. I owe to her a lifelong awareness of and interest in Africa. No doubt we all owe her for the many little contributions to our character and consciousness that she left us with. Surely she lives on through those."
Drew DeWindt on 18th October 2012
"Mrs. Oliver will definitely be missed! She helped make me believe in myself and know that I could accomplish anything that I put my mind to! Her strength gave me strength to grow and learn and be trhe best I could be and do all I could to help others as she helped me! She will be forever missed!
New Lincoln - 1972 - 1976"
Walter Sondheim on 18th October 2012
"Mrs Oliver, as all of her students' remember her by, was first and foremost an exceptional teacher. Her impact on all who were taught by her at NLS is a memory that I am sure, is still impacting our lives today.
NLS - 64"
Steph Bader on 18th October 2012
"Mrs. Oliver was an extraordinary teacher and a strong, dynamic, beautiful woman. I carry her influence with me and think of her regularly and with great fondness almost 50 years beyond our formal relationship. I will miss her."
sharon goldman on 18th October 2012
"Verne was one of the warmest, most positive people I have ever met. I will never forget how kindly she embraced me when I returned to New Lincoln. And I remember the law class she cotaught my senior year!"
Bill Kilpatrick on 18th October 2012
"Mrs. Oliver told me a slightly risque joke once - which I won't repeat - that made me blush. I think she laughed louder than i did. She was a big, beautiful, strong and intelligent woman and one of the best teachers I ever had. Thank you very much for all you've given me and many, many others - NLS - '66 - Bill"
JoOnna Silberman on 18th October 2012
"Life
I celebrate myself, and sing myself,
And what I assume you shall assume,
For every atom belonging to me
as good belongs to you.
-Walt Whitman"
Tony Gittelson on 17th October 2012
"During an extraordinary moment of transition in our own lives, and in the life of this country, "Mrs. Oliver" (as I will always remember her) was a quiet inspiration. An inspired educator and a truly elegant woman. I am always so amazed by the lives that were made better by Verne and NLS. After a long, well-lived life, I hope she does not rest, but spreads her grace across the universe..."
Dee Winton-Brenner on 17th October 2012
"Though I was only at New Lincoln for one year, I remember Verne Oliver among all others. She was THAT teacher - the one you chose when someone asked you about your favorite, the teacher you remember..."
Peter Rosset on 17th October 2012
"Verne had an enormous impact on me as a person. I can't thank her enough for everything she generously taught me. Verne, may you rest in peace."
Jonathan Leff on 17th October 2012
"Verne was one of those rare individuals so dedicated to helping others pursue their dreams. She guided me in ways I still do not fully appreciate. She guided me to my specific college which started a long and fulfilling career. She had a huge impact in my life and so many others. I will miss her greatly."
Steve Goldstein on 17th October 2012
"Verne was a guide who listened well and set me on a course through high school and then off to college to fulfill my aspirations. She had faith in me that let me have the self-assurance I needed. I am forever grateful to her. I know I am one many lives she made happier, healthier and more fulfilling. She will stay in my heart where she has been all these years. NLS '74 Steve G"
Michael Mitchell on 17th October 2012
"Thank you for helping to make me more than I could ever have been otherwise. I will always treasure the memories of my days at New Lincoln, and of all you did to try and keep me on the proper path, both in my 11 years as a student and the time that I spent working there.. May you rest in peace."