The local community in Strabane is in mourning after the death of popular Holy Cross College teacher Caroline Browne.
The former Head of ICT at the Co Tyrone school sadly lost her battle against illness on Sunday, with many former pupils and colleagues paying tribute to Caroline.
Holy Cross College described Caroline, who had recently retired from her post in the school, as having "total dedication and passion" for her profession.
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“It is with deep sadness that Holy Cross College acknowledges the death of our recently retired colleague, Mrs Caroline Browne,” the school said in a statement.
“Caroline (O’ Connor) began her teaching career in the early 1980s in Our Lady of Mercy where she taught Maths and Computing to hundreds of girls.
“Later in Holy Cross she was Head of ICT and ran a hugely successful department, where boys and girls achieved top grades at GCSE and A level, year on year. This is largely due to the total dedication and passion Caroline had for her teaching.
“Even in later years, when she was unwell, she battled into school as she didn’t want to miss her classes.
The school added Caroline fought her illness bravely, and that she will be fondly remembered by all those at the school.
“Caroline fought her illness with bravery and stoicism. She did all asked of her by the medical profession and battled hard to stay on top of her condition for a very long time.
“She retired from teaching in August 2020 but sadly didn’t get long enough to fulfil all the plans she had made.
“Caroline was a great teacher and a very lovely, kind person, who has left her mark on Holy Cross.
“We extend sympathy to her husband Kevin, her three girls, extended family and friends. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
SDLP councillor for the area and former Holy Cross student Jason Barr said Caroline was always looking out for her pupils.
“Caroline always had the students best intentions at heart and that proved time and time again,” Cllr Barr said.
“A career that spanned many years through the Lady of Mercy then in Holy Cross. I am proud to have known Caroline and to have been taught by her.
“My sincere thoughts and condolences to Caroline’s husband Kevin and her three daughters, Annabel, Mary and Cathy and to the wider family circle and former teaching staff.”
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