A much-loved former school teacher described by her family as an “angel by nature” will be laid to rest tomorrow.
Tributes are pouring in for Margaret Angell, who taught at St Vincent’s Primary for over four decades, after she died suddenly in her Newlandsmuir home on Saturday, March 30, aged 71.
Her devastated daughter Sharon Hamilton told the East Kilbride News this week her mother’s untimely death was a “complete and utter shock”, adding that her loss has left a “huge void” in her family’s lives.
Sharon, 46, who was with her mother when she passed, said: “We are still in complete and utter shock at what is such a huge loss to our family.
“She was a devoted mum and gran and an amazing teacher who touched so many lives.
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“My mother was kind, generous, so thoughtful and totally selfless.
“I always said she was an Angell by name, angel by nature. She was totally devoted to her family and will leave a huge void in our lives.”
Margaret grew up in Castlemilk and was one of the first settlers of East Kilbride new town. Living in Westwood with her late husband James, she began her teaching career at Our Lady of Lourdes Primary in East Kilbride and was one of the first teachers at St Vincent’s when it opened in the 1970s where she spent 35 wonderful years before retiring in 2007.
But, still ingrained with a passion for moulding young minds, Margaret continued on as a supply teacher for 11 more years up until last summer.
“Everyone just loved her as a teacher, she had such a caring nature and always said teaching was a vocation for her, not a job”, added Sharon.
“She just loved teaching, and was so well-known – always involved with the local community.
“In the last week I was even contacted by a former pupil of hers who said my mum inspired her to become a primary school teacher.”
Margaret was also a member of St Vincent’s Church and took both the school and church choir for a period of time as well as the school netball team.
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Eileen Tompkins, Head Teacher of St Vincent’s Primary School, said: “She will be remembered with great affection and admiration and always hold a very cherished place in the story of St Vincent’s.
“We shall not see her like again. May her gentle soul rest in peace.”
Margaret is survived by her daughter Sharon, son Stephen, 39, and grandchildren Hayley, 19, Paige, 14, James, 13 and 11-year-old Reece.
Her body will be received at St Vincent’s Church tonight (Wednesday) at 7pm.
A funeral service will take place at the Greenhills church tomorrow at 9.30am before Margaret is laid to rest at Phillipshill Cemetery.
Mourners are encouraged to wear colourful clothing in honour of Margaret, who loved bright colours.
