A lot of superlatives have been used to describe Polly Hutchinson, a beloved educator and community servant who died Thursday after a long battle with cancer.

She has been remembered as caring, compassionate and courageous.

She has been recalled as gracious, generous and giving.

She has been praised as warm, wise, witty and willing to serve.

She has been lauded as a woman of faith, a leader of vision, a friend to all.

The praise is accurate and richly deserved, but even spectacular words fall short of capturing the essence of Polly Hutchinson, who met every challenge and welcomed every opportunity with an exuberant spirit and a matchless commitment to do her best.

She epitomized gentleness, but possessed great strength in character and heart. She did marvelous things - in the classroom, her church, the community - but stayed clear of the spotlight, always deflecting credit, always humble, always grateful for the chance to serve.

Even after illness forced her to retire from the profession she loved, she continued to find ways to make a difference for good. She helped launch the Big Brothers, Big Sisters program and then walked the walk, serving as a model “Big” for a very lucky “Little.” She never stopped teaching - by both word and example - as she battled a dreadful disease with gallantry, spunk and the peace that comes only from deep faith.

At services celebrating her life on Sunday, heads nodded all over the sanctuary as the Rev. Mike Hornsby said “There’s no telling” how many children’s lives Polly Hutchinson touched and inspired.

He’s right. There’s no telling.

But the truth is, she inspired great numbers of adults, too. Everyone she met was better for having known her.

Polly Hutchinson lived her life as a love song to the human race.

Her legacy will be as long lasting as the warmth of her smile.