Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom passed away last week at age 96 after serving the longest reign of any British monarch (nearly 71 years).

Like every public figure, she had her admirers and haters, but it is hard to ignore the fact she lived an impressive life. My own family had some mixed feelings about her as well.

As an American, I’m not a follower of any monarchy. I’m a direct descendent of a Founding Father on my dad’s side (John Hart), so fighting against the need for a king is in my DNA. My mom’s side, was what my paternal grandmother called “half breeds”. My maternal grandmother’s family came from Donegal, Ireland. They would have rather seen the entire royal family as disembodied heads on posts. My maternal grandfather’s family, however, came from Swansea, Wales, and my great-grandmother very much considered herself a supporter of the Queen. She even had all the “souvenirs” from her coronation from programs to decorative corks.

Personally, I found Queen Elizabeth II fascinating. Not perfect by any means, but there was an air of grace and humor so many of the next generation of royals lack. This includes her successor the Charles formerly known as “Prince”.

Here are five things I remember or learned about Queen Elizabeth II, that make her a tough act to follow:

She was a Mechanic in the Military

World War II began when Princess Elizabeth was just a teenager. When she finally turned 18, she insisted on doing her part. She joined the Auxiliary Territorial Service (ATS) where she worked as a mechanic and truck driver. She may have gotten a little special treatment, I’m guessing, but she still wasn’t afraid to get her hands dirty, learn a skill, and support her country outside of sitting in a palace.

She Took Tea with Paddington Bear

From Naked Gun to any number of sketch comedies, the Queen has been the focus of parody. She did sometimes appear as herself as part of the joke. Most recently, she appeared in her own family-friendly comedic sketch during her Platinum Party alongside another British treasure: Paddington Bear.

She Enjoyed a Good Prank

It was often said by those who knew her, The Queen, like many Brits, had a “wicked” since of humor. Many people who worked with her and for her had a story to tell. This one from former Royal Protection Officer Richard Griffith where she pranked some American tourists is a favorite.

She Jumped Out of a Plane with James Bond (Sorta)

The 2012 Olympics in London were the last time I really enjoyed an Olympic opening or closing ceremony. British humor was certainly one of the highlights, as well as James Bond. Bond made sure Her Majesty the Queen arrived in style and safely during the year of her Diamond Jubilee (albeit with the help of a stunt double). Even her famous Corgis made an appearance.

Her First Televised Queen’s Speech

No world leader or world ambassador has gotten every value right, but back in 1957 The Queen gave the first televised “Queen’s Speech”. She talked about the importance of progress, but also in the dangers of leaving the values of the past behind in its pursuits. There are plenty of things in this little talk many of today’s leaders from all parties could heed.

You might not like the late Queen at all, you might be missing her dearly, or you might not care at all, but every life leaves behind some fascinating tales. Queen Elizabeth II had her share of wonderful ones.