Elizabeth Zwaska dedicated five decades of her life to teaching children in the Dallas area. The first 32 years came as a full-time teacher. After her retirement at age 60, she saw a need for better substitutes. So she came out of retirement and taught students for 21 years as a substitute teacher. She worked with students in Galveston, Cameron, Dallas and a few other places around the state.
In 1999, The Advocate wrote about the then 80-year-old who had just decided to retire again.
This month Zwaska turned 97. Zwaska’s granddaughter, Michelle Murrey, helped her celebrate the big day.
“My family celebrated Elizabeth’s 97th birthday with a small gathering of family and friends at Elizabeth’s home. Due to a recent hip fracture, she is mostly bedridden, so we celebrated simply at home,” Murrey says.
So in honor of Zwaska’s big day, her family is hoping to hear from former students and colleagues, so load up the comment section with your memories of Ms. Zawaska and make her day.
