Tributes paid to dedicated mother, wife and beloved teacher Joanna Humphreys who lost her two year battle with cancer

Sep 27 2012 by Danielle Manning, Ormskirk Advertiser

A BELOVED teacher and wife lost her two year battle with cancer, leaving behind two young daughters.

Joanna Humphreys tragically died on Sunday, September 23, two years after being diagnosed with cancer of the stomach.

Joanna lived in Aughton with her husband Neil and two daughters Bethany, 13, and Rebecca, eight.

A respected media teacher at a school in Southport, she was just 42 years old when she died.

Husband Neil and Joanna had been together for ten years. He paid tribute to his late wife: “She was an amazing woman,” he said.

“She combined being straight and doing the right thing with a really kind spirit.

“All of the kids that she taught loved her. She was a dedicated teacher and a dedicated wife and mother to two girls.

“She was terrific, always great fun and a real genuine person, always smiling.

“Jo had an amazing skill of making friends really easily, she had one of those characters that people naturally gravitated towards.

“Even throughout her treatment she picked up friends wherever she went, including the medical staff.

“Even during those very difficult two years she was always very brave and very positive.”

Tributes also poured in to Joanna’s place of work, Christ the King Catholic High School on Stamford Road in Southport.

Staff, together with headteacher Jim Lancaster praised the popular teacher.

Mr Lancaster said: “With over 16 years of teaching experience she was a truly dedicated and inspirational teacher and colleague.

“Joanna established and developed the media department from 1997 and held the position of head of film and media studies where she motivated and touched the lives of many students who are now pursuing careers in television and journalism.

“Joanna played an integral role within the school’s pastoral system as head of year and assistant head of sixth form helping and supporting many students throughout their school career.

“Her level-headed approach to various aspects of her role always culminated in reasoned judgements and realistic advice, something that staff and students alike highly regarded her for.”

Mr Lancaster added: “She faced the challenges of the last two years with an incredible display of strength, courage and dignity, typical of her selfless nature and consideration for others.

“Joanna will be sadly missed and our school community’s thoughts and prayers are with her family at this very difficult time.”

Former pupil Emma Stone said: “Mrs Humphreys was lovely. She soon became one of my favourite teachers.

“She always helped me with any issues I had an encouraged me on with my path towards taking English in my A-levels.

“I’m very sad to hear the news, she was always so nice.”

Former student and head boy, Jordan Bowers said: “She was the best teacher I ever had. She made me work the hardest.”

The funeral of Joanna Humphreys takes place at St Anne’s Catholic Church in Ormskirk on Monday, October 1 from 11am.

All friends, colleagues and former pupils are welcome.

The family have asked any donations to be made towards Queenscourt Hospice.