Tributes paid at funeral of stabbed teacher

THE husband of a teacher who was stabbed to death in her classroom paid a moving tribute at her funeral yesterday as he described her “passion” for her job.

Ann Maguires coffin is carried out of church as members of the clergy watch on. Picture: PA

Hundreds of mourners gathered at the mass to remember Ann Maguire, 61, who died after she was attacked as she taught a lesson at Corpus Christi Catholic College, in Leeds, last month.

Her husband Don, 62, who ­arrived with their two daughters and nephews, whom the teacher treated as her own sons following the death of her sister, gave a eulogy in which he spoke of his late wife’s dedication.

He said: “Ann loved teaching – a dream as a young child, an ambition in teenage years, a fulfilling reality for 40 years. Spanish was her subject, the pace and rhythm of modern language teaching suited her so well.

“Being head of fifth form was a great passion, because this is where the full range of her personal qualities and abilities were fully exercised. But, in true humility, she always stressed she learned so much from others.”

The funeral service at the Catholic Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary began with a procession of gifts to symbolise the much-loved teacher’s life, ­accompanied by Wind Beneath My Wings on the piano.

Photographs of Mrs Maguire, including those of her as a child and young woman, decorated the order of service and a message at the back read: “Ann’s family would like to ­express their deep gratitude for everyone’s expressions of love, sympathy and support.”

Mr Maguire, his daughters Emma and Kerry, and nephews Daniel and Andrew, had arrived in two black cars at the doors of the red-brick church, where they were met by clergy.

A stream of mourners arrived ahead of them, including Corpus Christi headteacher Steve Mort who arrived with three children from the school.

Mrs Maguire’s coffin was ­received at the church on Thursday evening when family members attended a private mass.

It was carried out of the church following the service, which lasted an hour and 45 minutes. White carnations on either side of the coffin spelled out “mummy” and “sister”.

Mr Maguire and his family hugged some of the 300 mourners as they followed the pallbearers out of the church, which is next door to the school where Mrs Maguire was attacked on 28 April. She died later that day in hospital from multiple stab wounds.

Mrs Maguire had taught at the school for more than 40 years and was to retire in September.

Tributes to the much-loved teacher have poured in from across the world. Thousands of them were placed on the railings outside Corpus Christi, stretching 100 yards.

Many of the messages were from current and former pupils but others were placed by strangers who wanted to register their sadness.

The sentiments accompanied hundreds of bunches of flowers and other mementos including teddies, school books, football shirts, school ties and guitars.

The Ann Maguire Educational Fund has been set up in the teacher’s name “to provide bursaries and funding for the enhancement and personal development of young people under 18 years old through music, drama, language and dance”.

Donations can be made at www.justgiving.com/ann-maguire.

A 15-year-old boy has ­appeared in court charged with Mrs Maguire’s murder. He will go on trial later this year.