Alison Stanley, 69, of Low Lorton, a much admired retired teacher, passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, June 12, in the Loweswater Suite at Whitehaven's West Cumberland Hospital after a short illness.

The eldest of four daughters, she was born and raised near Solihull, in the West Midlands, by her parents Michael and Meryl Perry.

After graduating from teacher training college she married, and in 1979, moved to Cumbria.

After the breakdown of her marriage, Alison found a teaching post at All Saints', Cockermouth.

With a natural aptitude, a childlike outlook and genuine warmth, she made close friends with colleagues, parents and children alike.

In 1986, Alison became deputy head at Flimby Primary School. She cared deeply for her pupils, and was repeatedly described by Ofsted as an ‘outstanding teacher’.

She left the post in 2003, and went on to a new role as an advisory teacher, providing advice and resources to improve early years teaching across Cumbria.

After funding cuts to the service, Alison retired in 2011.

She subsequently pursued another passion and graduated as a garden designer from Newton Rigg College in 2015.

She was also an Oxfam volunteer and helped at Netherton Infant School in Maryport.

Italian classes, keep fit and a long standing participation in a book club kept her mind and body in shape.

Alison was always easily recognised by her former pupils. None could forget the slim figure topped by a mass of flame-red hair, many would point and whisper in awe, ‘That’s Mrs Stanley...’

Her passing was both sudden and unexpected, and has stunned both friends and family. Those who once looked up to her as she helped them paint, draw or read will feel the same.

She was someone who believed passionately in the good that creative early years teaching can do. She received no awards or commendations, held no position of power, but helped make a difference to many people. She will be very sorely missed by those who knew her.

Her partner Tim Britton said: "In Al's tiny body was a heart that could melt glaciers.

"She never let go of the child she once was, so each day was an adventure, each project a game, each hand of sand or soil a toy that no parent could make her give up.

"She loved both her classes and her gardens, because they let her create and play without restraint.

"She was a true redhead: fiesty, passionate, with a laugh that bordered on dirty.

"Without exception or exaggeration, to meet her once left her etched on your memory."

Alison is survived by her sisters, Linda, Jillian and Annette.

A funeral service will be held at 2pm on Tuesday, June 25 at Distington crematorium.

All are welcome to pay their respects. The family has requested no sombre attire.

Donations in her memory can be made to the British Red Cross, Oxfam and Animal Rescue Cumbria.