Former Lockerbie Academy teacher Audrey Brockett, 55, passed away on Monday after battling the disease for over a year.
Paying tribute to his former colleague, Lockerbie Academy rector Brian Asher, said: “She was a wonderful warm, cheery colleague and friend.
“She cared passionately about the young people she taught and was an inspirational teacher who made a key difference to a great many students over a number of years.
“I was privileged to know Audrey, though only for a couple of years. Even so, she was someone who always cheered me up just by her sunny personality and warmth.
“Audrey was well known for her beautiful singing voice and love of music, which extended far beyond school. She was heavily involved in a number of ventures which inspired and motivated young people across our region.”
He added: “Audrey is remembered with great affection in our school community.”
The school plan to write their thoughts and condolences in a journal and Mr Asher added: “We feel Audrey’s loss keenly, but know she is at peace and realise we are all the richer for having known her. “Our thoughts, sympathy and kindest wishes are for husband Derek and the family at this time.”
Glasgow born, Audrey trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama where she studied voice and pianoforte in the early 1980s.
She graduated withaBA music performance and a Diploma of the RSAMD specialising in Lieder and Oratorio work.
Her teaching career began in Ayrshire before moving to Dalbeattie High School in August 1987. She taught there for 20 years and became principal teacher of music.
She then took up a post at Lockerbie Academy in 2007, working alongside her husband Derek, a drama and principal teacher.
She left Lockerbie in 2015 to return to Dalbeattie High with her husband appointed headteacher there in 2016.
In her spare time, as well as conducting the Lockerbie Singers, Audrey performed with many choral societies, Burns clubs and music clubs throughout the region, including the female singing group Dolce Divas.
A celebration of Audrey’s life will take place on Monday at Warriston Crematorium, Lorimer Chapel, Edinburgh at 12 pm.
