'She had a magnetism to her': Port Huron Northern teacher remembered for kindness, selflessness

PORT HURON — Ashley Nisbett was a passionate, kind and selfless person inside and outside of the classroom.

Since she was young, Ashley Nisbett knew she wanted to be a teacher. Her husband, Ryan Nisbett, said she was selfless, first and foremost, and that education was very important to her. He said she always wanted to give back to others, and that she would donate her time, energy and resources to her students.

One thing she would help coordinate was the Stuff the Bus program at Port Huron Northern.

"I think the hardest part of her job was seeing how many of her kids didn't have necessities that a lot of us take for granted," he said. "She was selfless is every aspect."

Ashley Nisbett was a teacher at Port Huron Northern for 10 years. She died on Oct. 24 after being severely injured in a traffic crash. She was 33 years old.

As a spouse to an educator, Ryan Nisbett said he would hear a lot about Ashley Nisbett's students. He said it was a natural instinct for her to know when or if one of her students needed support.

Ryan Nisbett said his wife was kind and full of grace. They were high school sweethearts and were together for 15 years. He said she believed everyone is capable of doing great things. He said Ashley Nisbett was the type of person who would always lend an ear and listen to people's troubles.

"She had a magnetism to her that just drew you in," Ryan Nisbett said. "If you had the privilege to talk to her, just know that she would help you in any way she could."

Ryan Nisbett said the community has been exceptionally supportive of during this time. He said teachers are such a tight-knit group, and seeing them rally behind him and the rest of the family has been overwhelming. He said people have brought food, given financial assistance and fed their pets.

"I don't know how to thank everyone," Ryan Nisbett said. "A lot of people are grieving with us, friends, students and colleagues. So many people were affected by this."

Ryan Nisbett said Ashley Nisbett loved being outdoors. The day before the crash, Ashley Nisbett was clearing their garden for the season. Ryan Nisbett said she had a conference the next day, though, and was trying to convince her to save the garden work for later. However, she was determined to get it done.

He said that if she was determined to do something, she would see it through no matter what.

Ryan Nisbett said Ashley Nisbett had a bag full of baby hats that she crocheted that will be donated to the Hunter Hospitality House. Before she passed, the two of them had plans to spend their time at Mid-City Nutrition for the holidays.

He said Ashley Nisbett was all about creating change in incremental ways.

"If there's a way to honor her legacy, it would be to give back as much as you can," Ryan Nisbett said.

Ryan Nisbett said Ashley Nisbett would put her full force behind these types of efforts. He said it would bring her joy to see more people give back in some way.

Additionally, a scholarship in Ashley Nisbett's name is being created by the Port Huron Northern Baking Club. Principal Alicia Shagena said the scholarship will be in increments of $500. The number of scholarships awarded will be determined by how much is donated to the school.

The scholarship will be awarded to students who embody Ashley Nisbett's character, including a positive attitude, being inclusive and having a love for reading.

People who wish to donate to the scholarship fund can write checks to Port Huron Northern, specifying that it is for the Ashley Nisbett Scholarship.

Ryan Nisbett said he truly believes that Ashley Nisbett was a paragon of humanity. She was always fighting the good fight and prioritized others over herself. He said she gave other people strength and hope.

Contact McKenna Golat at mgolat@gannett.com.

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This article originally appeared on Port Huron Times Herald: Port Huron Northern teacher remembered for kindness, selflessness