Children call her Mimi. Retiring teachers have their picture taken with her. For more than 30 years, Micheline Benoît has been a crossing guard near Sainte-Cécile primary school, in Villeray.
“There are some children whose parents I have crossed,” she says. In the fall, if I’m there, I’ll start my 33e year. »
On her yellow bib, Micheline proudly wears a pin given to her for her 30 years of service, to which must be added 2 as a supernumerary. There was even a ceremony at neighborhood station 31 on avenue de l’Esplanade. “When I opened the door, people applauded. I did not expect that, she says. I feel respected by the SPVM and that is important. »
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
On her yellow bib, Micheline Benoît proudly wears a pin given to her for her 30 years of service.
Before becoming a crossing guard, Micheline looked after children at home, not to mention her family, who are now 39 and 43 years old. “I had a click when I picked them up at school and saw the crossing guard,” she recalls. I like to be outside, I like to move, I like children and I want a job without a boss behind me… But why didn’t I think of that before? »
She then had the choice between three “sleepers”, and she was charmed by the one at the corner of avenue De Gaspé and rue De Castelnau in front of the Sainte-Cécile school. “It’s so well located. There is the Jean-Talon market, cafes, shops. »
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Micheline Benoît with Ismaël Bamba and his children Maissa and Bilal. She will have been the brigadier of both the father and his children.
“His children are less tanned than he was”, jokes Micheline when Ismaël Bamba has just arrived with his children Bilal and Maissa (who did not yet have their little brother born during the night following the taking of the photo! ).
Micheline was Ismaël’s brigadier from 1992 to 1998 and she is an integral part of his neighborhood life. “Micheline has always been around,” he said before giving her a hug.
His “bodyguard”
In the morning, Micheline estimates she is escorting some 250 children and ensuring their safety. Those of the school, but also of the CPE Chez-nous chez-vous, located just opposite.
Rain or shine, she is faithful to the position with a split schedule, which is specific to the profession. “After so many years, I would have changed fields if it didn’t suit me,” said the woman with the slender body and such a calm temperament.
PHOTO PROVIDED BY MICHELINE BENOÎT
Personal photo of Micheline Benoît, dating from 1999
The weather she hates the most? A cool, wet November rain. “There, I say to myself: it is true that I should retire. But the next day, it’s sunny and it’s forgotten. »
Because people who ask her when she is going to retire, there are a lot of them. Starting with her husband, Jean Charles Pyton, nevertheless by her side every morning, leaning against the school fence.
“My bodyguard,” she said.
“I’ve come to encourage her, but I’ve been pushing her for 12 years to retire with me,” he says, tongue-in-cheek, under Micheline’s amused gaze.
He and his wife have been married for 40 years and are grandparents. They met in Saint-Hyacinthe, in a bar called Au p’tit canot.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Micheline Benoît and her husband, Jean Charles Pyton
A way of life
Even though she is 71 years old, it is a big decision for Micheline to retire. “I have to feel ready. I like what I do. It makes me see people and it gets me moving. »
I’m going one day at a time. This year it was more difficult. I was absent for two months because I had an operation. I want to continue, but health will decide.
Micheline Benoit
“I was happy and proud to be back,” she says. And believe us: parents and children were very happy and relieved to find her with her yellow bib and her stop sign.
PHOTO PATRICK SANFAÇON, THE PRESS
Even though she is 71 years old, it is a big decision for Micheline Benoît to retire.
It must be said that for Micheline, being a crossing guard is almost a way of life. Every morning, she gets up before the sun. ” Do you know why ? If you want me not to be in a bad mood, I have to have 45 minutes on my lullaby with my coffee and my lunch. »
Micheline starts the first of her three shifts at 7:35 a.m. and then returns home during the morning. After the dinner work period – long but quieter – the crossing guard used to go for a coffee at the Enchanteur bistro, but since the pandemic, she has another arrangement. “The school, with whom I have a good relationship, lends me a small room so that I can do some reading. It allows me to rest and get back to my crossing. »
Micheline is a big-hearted woman and an important person for our school. Its contribution to the school life of children should not be underestimated. Before classes, they start their day with her smile and sweetness.
Amélie Pelletier-Houde, Principal of Sainte-Cécile School
Micheline is also very fond of contact with the little ones. “It’s alive and so true, a child… And it’s so important to love what you do,” she insists.