CHILDREN and staff at a junior school are still upset following the sudden death of a much-loved teacher. Jacqui Hannah, aged 46, died after suffering a stroke at her Harpenden home on March 9. She had taught at Bernards Heath Junior School in St Albans f

CHILDREN and staff at a junior school are still upset following the sudden death of a much-loved teacher.

Jacqui Hannah, aged 46, died after suffering a stroke at her Harpenden home on March 9.

She had taught at Bernards Heath Junior School in St Albans for the past three years.

The school's head teacher Mrs Sian Kilpatrick said: "Jacqui was a talented teacher who made an incredible impact on the school because she was a truly beautiful person inside and out.

"Her death was totally unexpected. She left school on the Friday night after running a hectic arts week and died on the Sunday. A less-likely candidate for a stroke would be hard to imagine. She seemed lively, fit and healthy and exuded a calmness and serenity that transmitted itself to pupils and staff alike."

"We are in shock and are grieving for a very dear teacher, colleague and friend. Ms Hannah helped to make everyone here nicer and better people. She had a lovely sense of humour mixed with a serenity and calmness which seemed to rub off on everyone, not least the children in her class.

"She showed children and colleagues, by example, how to enjoy the world and be happy."

Bereavement counsellors attended the school the day after Ms Hannah died to support staff so that later in the day they could impart the news to the children who were also counselled where necessary.

A memorial service celebrating Ms Hannah's life will be held later on in the year.

She is survived by her 17-year old son, her father and two sisters who all live in Luton.