TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular teacher who has died.

Kathryn Turnbull passed away surrounded by her family on May 22 aged 44.

Mrs Turnbull, nee Rooney, taught at St Patrick’s Primary School in Cleator Moor for more than 20 years after joining as a newly-qualified teacher.

Headteacher Emma Jackson said: “Kathryn was a long-serving member of staff and was a very calm, dedicated person who took everything in her stride.

“She was never flustered and was a really good listener who was always there if someone needed a sounding board.

“She taught right across the school, in every age range, and was really well-loved by all the children that went through her care.

“She was incredibly kind and that is probably the stand-out word everybody has used to describe her.

“We will miss her dearly, she has left a big hole in our lives.”

Mrs Turnbull’s funeral was held at St Mary’s Church in Egremont on June 4 and was attended by some of her former colleagues.

She leaves her husband Ewan and daughter Iona.

Mrs Turnbull was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2010 and served as chairperson for BrEaST friends (West Cumbria Breast Cancer Support Group).