Tributes pour in following death of much loved school Principal Laraine Long

The death of the Principal of Wood School, Ardara has left her school community heartbroken.

Laraine Long (née Eakin), of Mullantyboyle, Glenties, Donegal and formerly of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, died in the Donegal Hospice on Thursday. Her Funeral Service takes place on Sunday afternoon at 2pm in Corvally Presbyterian Church, Co Monaghan, with interment afterwards in Carrickmaclim burial grounds.

She is survived by her husband Robert, daughter Saphran, son Oliver, her parents Fred and Jean, sister Irene (Michael), brother Edgar (Carol), nieces Amy, Jessica and Sorrel, nephews Kyle, Jamie, Jeffrey and Bobby, mother-in-law Ella, sister-in-law Elaine (Jimmy) and a wide circle of family and friends who will all miss her dearly. 

Staff at Wood School, Ardara have led the tributes to Laraine, taking to the school’s Facebook page to say: “Hello everyone. This page, as you all know, is used to show the wonderful things our pupils and staff get up to at our lovely school, but sadly today’s post is a sad one. 

“We have been driven for years by our strong, dedicated (and very glamorous) leader and Principal, Mrs Laraine Long. As a school family we are heartbroken that she has passed away. 

“She leaves us with copious amounts of knowledge, strength and love. 

“We all miss her.”

Many past pupils, parents and members of the school community responded with their own tributes.

Here is a selection which captures the legacy of Laraine’s years of teaching in Ardara:

“I will always have the fondest memories of being taught by Mrs Long in primary school. She was a beautiful, strong and talented lady and she will be sadly missed. Thoughts and prayers are with her family at this terribly sad time.” - Tamara Fitzpatrick

“Sincere condolences to Mrs Long's family. She was an excellent teacher to so many of us, she went above and beyond for her students.” - Jane Nedelcu

“Have great memories of Laraine as a teacher and beautiful lady who was always only delighted to help others. She will be sorely missed. Rest in peace Laraine.” - Lynn Porter

“So very sad. Such a wonderful teacher and beautiful person. Thinking of all her loved ones.” - Lauren Harte

“Have had the pleasure of knowing Larraine since she first came to the Wood School. Always a pleasure to talk to. She will be sorely missed. Sincere sympathy to all her family, friends, work colleagues, and pupils past and present.” - Hazel Barrett

“Laraine was beautiful inside and out. We were blessed to have her teach our children. “She didn’t just teach but shared so much of herself and worked hard to bring out the best in every student. She will be missed always.” - Noreen Allsop

Anyone who wishes to make a donation to Wood School in Laraine’s memory is welcome to do so c/o Conly Funeral Directors, Ballybay, Co Monaghan or any family member.