TRIBUTES have been paid to a popular Co Armagh teacher who died after a courageous fight with cancer.
Colette Clarke was a teacher at St John the Baptist's Primary School in Portadown and had also taught at Mount St Catherine's Primary School in her home city of Armagh.
She has been described by those who knew her as "inspirational" and "a truly dedicated and brilliant teacher".
Her funeral will take place today on what would have been her birthday.
Among the many tributes on her Facebook page from friends and colleagues, one described her as a "loyal friend and gifted teacher" while another said she was an "inspiration of courage and faith".
A parent wrote: "Colette really was a unique, fun loving and special teacher. My children adored her and they still often speak of her fondly."
Another tribute simply said: "RIP Colette. Made school days more fun."
Mrs Clarke was a cheerleader for blood donation, having availed of the service during her illness.
She died at her home at Tullymore Downs on Wednesday.
Her funeral service will take place today at St Malachy's Church, Armagh, with burial afterwards in St Patrick's Cemetery.
Mrs Clarke is survived by her husband Noel, mother Colette, brothers and sisters Michael, Ann, Gerard, Eamonn, Bernadette and Fr Liam. She was predeceased by her father Eugene and siblings Mary and TJ.
