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‘We will miss her dreadfully’ – Millburn Academy mourns loss of ‘amazing’ Inverness teacher





Sandra Patience was a guidance teacher at Millburn Academy. The sad news of her death sparked a flow of heartfelt tributes on social media.
Sandra Patience was a guidance teacher at Millburn Academy. The sad news of her death sparked a flow of heartfelt tributes on social media.

An inspirational Inverness teacher who worked for over three decades at Millburn Academy died earlier this week.

The school has paid tribute to “long-standing friend and colleague” Sandra Patience (59) on its Facebook page, saying that she passed away peacefully, at home on Monday.

Earlier this year Sandra, a guidance teacher at Millburn, took part in the Catwalk for a Cause sharing her personal experience of battling with breast cancer.

A school spokesperson said: “Sandra’s involvement with Millburn stretches back more than three decades, having taken up post as a teacher of physical education in 1990.

Sandra Patience with her friend Maureen Davidson at Catwalk for a Cause earlier this year. Picture: Callum Mackay.
Sandra Patience with her friend Maureen Davidson at Catwalk for a Cause earlier this year. Picture: Callum Mackay.

“In 2014, Sandra became a key part of our pupil support team as principal teacher with responsibility for Garth pupils and she has touched the lives of thousands of Millburners over the years. Sandra’s commitment to the school and the community has been immense and we will miss her dreadfully.

“Our thoughts are with Sandra’s husband Ian, daughter Aimie and the wider family at this sad time.”

An outpour of heartfelt tributes from former students, colleagues and parents was shared in comments to the post.

Rona Tynan said: “Sandra helped so many of our children to go out and navigate life after school. In school she was a steady rock. She was a wonderful lady who was dedicated to looking after and guiding the pupils. Also a great help to parents as well. May she rest in peace. We will never forget her and her sound guidance.”

“This has truly saddened my heart,” commented Shelle Duncan-Kidd. “I will be forever grateful for you Sandra and the time you took to nurture, support and guide me, when I was in Millburn all those years ago. You are one of the only teachers, who touched my life and I will be forever grateful for you. I’m so blessed my Son got to meet you too. You have and will always have a special place in our hearts.”

Tracey McSeveney added: “Such sad news to hear. Sandra was an inspirational lady who gave her all into teaching and loved her job and pupils so much. Thoughts go out to her friends and family at this very sad time.”

Others remembered her for her kindness, for being a “force of nature” and an “amazing teacher” who “strived to bring out the best in people”, saying her death will leave a “huge void for many”.

The funeral service – open to family, friends and colleagues – will be held on Wednesday, May 29 at 4pm in the funeral home of William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road in Inverness.


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