Community thanks retiring crossing guard Liz Delaney for her service at Danforth and Gledhill

By JULIA SAWICKI

After 27 years at SickKids Hospital, Liz Delaney wasn’t ready to stop serving her community. So she took up a new role as the crossing guard at Gledhill Avenue/Patricia Drive and Danforth Avenue, a corner she proudly calls “my street.”

Over the past five years, Delaney has become a familiar and beloved face in the neighbourhood.

She watched children grow from shy kindergarteners into rowdy elementary school students, saw families expand, and shared in the everyday moments that make a community feel like home.

“I’ve been blessed. I’ve worked at other spots, and this community is amazing. It’s all tight knit, and family oriented and they’ve treated me like I’m a queen everyday,” said Delaney. ”I’m here to help, and not just keep the kids, but everybody safe.”

She said she has enjoyed being a crossing guard tremendously. ‘It’s been one of the best jobs I’ve ever had.”

As school let out for the final time this school year on Thursday, June 25, Delaney was also guiding families safely across the street one last time as she is retiring and yesterday was her last shift as a crossing guard.

In recognition of her work and to wish her well in retirement, the community she had faithfully served gathered to return the kindness she had shown them. Children ran to hug her; parents stopped to congratulate her and thanked her for the care and attention she brought to their daily routines.

“She’s so great,” said Lily Gates, one of many parents who came to wish Delaney well.

Gates said her son, Jakson, had grown up knowing and trusting Delaney. To mark her retirement, he presented her with a flower-shaped card filled with handwritten messages from children in the community, a small but personal reminder of the lasting impact she made on many families.

“She’s going to be so missed,” added Gates.

As Delaney steps into the next chapter of her life, holding balloons and roses, she tearfully said her final goodbyes to those crossing her street. She leaves behind a community that is safer, closer, and grateful for the warmth and care she brought with every raised stop sign and every “Have a nice day.”