She was just a teacher for friends—until they learned she was a multimillionaire who left charity $4.3 million in will
Our personality and deeds matter more than any wealth and riches we can accumulate. For those of us who are lucky, we can generously blend the two and lead an inspiring life. An elementary school teacher, Roberta Langtry, did the same in the most unexpected way, per The Globe and Mail. As a special teacher who assisted students with autism and other conditions, she always worked as a side character, avoiding attention and fame. When she passed away at the age of 89, she shocked the world with an overwhelming amount left to charity. Diving into the details, her life story gets more and more interesting.
While one wouldn’t expect a teacher to hold many financial treasures, Langtry had one that was worth millions. However, this was kept a secret until her death. It only came to the surface that the humble woman was a millionaire when she gave away what is titled one of the largest donations from an individual towards an environmental cause in Canada. This was only but one donation she made. Many more were uncovered, which pointed towards her simple and selfless nature. Living an average life, Langtry ensured her wealth was never a hindrance and only used for a good cause.
While the $4.3 million donation was made to the Nature Conservancy of Canada, she also put in good amounts towards causes she stuck with throughout her life. Even when she was alive, the teacher would make anonymous gifts and donations based on need. The woman never married or had any children and solely used her wealth for others. Living in a humble home, Langtry ensured her money was well-kept for a time when she could use it in an impactful way to help others. Through investments, savings and several other frugal decisions concerning her fortune, she was able to become a millionaire for a cause.
Enid Crush, one of her neighbors, remarked that, like Langtry's friends and close people, she, too, had no idea that her next-door neighbor was rich. Right from her dressing to her usage of heat and electricity, all were well-sustained efficiently. The only time there was ever a hint of her wealth was when she’d accompany her neighbor to charities. "She'd write a check for $300. I said, 'Roberta, most people, if I'm lucky, give $10.' It was things like that that she did. She was very, very generous to charity,” the woman recalled. When Langtry passed away, her friend and estate executor, Robert Borden, made the call for the donation.
"Do you know how much I'll be sending you?" he asked. On revealing the big number, the administrator was “dumbfounded.” It was too absurd an amount to believe and it took them calls to check and confirm before they could celebrate the fact that they’d received the massive donation. The Conservancy has honored Langtry for her significant contribution by setting up a trail-side plaque on a rock in the Happy Valley Forest, per NCC. Several donors who have come across the same have heard about the teacher’s story and are moved to donate and help for a worthy cause. When it comes to generosity and wealth, this teacher left the most impactful lesson ever.