IPSWICH: Staff and pupils at a high school in the town have been shocked at the death of a popular teacher.

Edwina Tierney taught modern languages, especially French, at Westbourne Sports College in Marlow Road. She was also a Year 11 form tutor.

Mrs Tierney had been ill for two years, and had been off work for part of last term.

She leaves a widower, Michael, to whom she had been married for 38 years, and three children – Rachel, Simon and Kiren.

Trenica King, acting headteacher at Westbourne, said: “Throughout her illness Mrs Tierney showed remarkable courage, optimism and good humour and a determination to continue to help young people for as long as possible.

“Her death has greatly saddened the school community and in particular those who worked closely with her.

“Assemblies have been held to inform the students and we have arranged support for any member of the school community who may need it.

“Our thoughts are with Edwina’s family at this very sad time.”

Chloe Jones was a member of her tutor group.

She said: “Mrs Tierney was always the positive and motivated teacher you could look up to.

“She was caring, kind and thoughtful. Many thoughts are with her family.”

Mrs Tierney was born and brought up in Ireland and studied in France before going to university and then the Courthauld Institute in London.

n Do you want to pay tribute to Edwina Tierney? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk