Tributes have flooded in via social media for a much-loved primary school teacher who was described by many in her community as a ‘‘wonderful teacher’’.
Marisa Cochrane, a year 5/6 teacher at Yarrawarrah Public School, died last week after she was critically injured in a car accident in June at Waterfall.
Her pupils and their parents left bunches of flowers at the school fence on the weekend.
Lisa Heidi Kessler posted on the school’s Facebook page: ‘‘Such wonderful memories of a lovely person and awesome teacher.’’
Rebecca Broughton posted: ‘‘After a long hard fight may u rest in peace now. Taken too soon and in such horrible circumstances.’’
And Kathy Pont said: ‘‘What a terribly heartbreaking loss of such a vibrant soul. How lucky we are to have had her touch the lives of our children. Deepest sympathies to her loved ones and friends.’’
A spokesman for the Department of Education said the Yarrawarrah Public School community was deeply saddened the death of a teacher.
‘‘The thoughts of the community are with her family and friends,’’ he said. ‘‘Counselling has been made available for students and staff.’’
Mrs Cochrane, 57, was travelling south on the Princes Highway on June 7 when her car was hit from behind by another.
The car left the road and hit a tree, trapping both her and her husband, 60, inside.
The other driver, a 22-year-old Maroubra woman, recorded a positive roadside breath test.
2She was arrested and taken to Sutherland police station where she returned a reading of 0.090.
She was charged with mid-range drink-driving and her licence was suspended. She will next appear in Sutherland Court on September 24.
Mrs Cochrane died late on Friday night and her husband remains in a stable condition.
Staff and students took part in this year’s Sutherland to Surf in support of the teacher.
The Metropolitan Crash Unit is investigating.
TEACHER WILL BE MISSED
'‘RIP Mrs Cochrane. Such a wonderful teacher. She will be missed.’’ Holly Brittain
‘‘You were the best at making us all giggle with your funny stories and silly nicknames. Gone too soon.’’ Amanda K Havea
‘‘Thinking of Mrs Cochrane’s family, friends, our wonderful teachers and our beautiful kids. Such sad news.’’ Janelle Wotton
‘‘A very sad day. She will be missed by our little school community.’’Tanya Tindale
‘‘Mrs Cochrane you touched so many lives.’’ Patty-Anne Westlake
Marissa will live on for a very long time through all the students that were ever in her care because she was that great of a teacher.
Kathy Ismay
Leave a tribute to Mrs Cochrane or a message for her family via the comment link below.
