Funeral announced for former Inverness Royal Academy teacher
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A long-serving English teacher at Inverness Royal Academy has passed away at the age of 79.
Jane Sutherland Graham, who lived in Drumblair Crescent in Inverness, passed away peacefully in Cameron House on Friday, February 23. Her funeral service will take place on Tuesday, March 5.
It will be conducted at Smithton Church at 12.30pm, before moving to Tore Cemetery afterwards. All are welcome to attend, but family flowers only.
Announcing her passing, the funeral director William T Fraser & Son, said: "Much loved aunt of Isabel and Marion. Jane worked for many years as an English teacher in Inverness Royal Academy.
"Jane went through many years of health trials but these were bravely borne, upheld by her devout Christian faith. Sadly missed by all who knew her.
"Funeral service at Smithton Church on Tuesday, March 5, at 12.30pm; thereafter to Tore Cemetery. All welcome. Family flowers only please.
"Donations invited for Blythswood Care and Cameron House at the service or via William T Fraser and Son, Culduthel Road, Inverness.
"For those unable to attend the service will stream stream live from www.smithtonchurch.com/live/."
News of her passing has sparked a flood of tributes.
Retired former English teaching colleague Ian Fraser (87) worked with Ms Graham at the old Inverness Royal Academy at Midmills in Crown and then at the replacement campus at Culduthel from the late 1970s.
He remembers her as a respected, conscientious and dedicated colleague.
“Her faith was very much to the forefront of her outlook and approach as a teacher,” Mr Fraser said. “She was a good teacher and a good, steadfast colleague in the English department. She was firm but fair and never had any bother with discipline in the classroom.
“Our head of department Eddie Hutcheon always knew she had the strength of personality to cope with any situations that arose.
“While she could be reserved in the staffroom, she was also very game.
“I remember on one occasion, the staff were playing the pupils at cricket at the old Academy.
“We were short in numbers and, much to the amusement and delight of the pupils, Jane turned out for the team and made a great impression on everybody.”
He also said she was originally from Kiltarlity and went to the old Inverness Royal Academy herself before going to university and returning as a teacher.
Tributes have also been made online.
Reacting to the news on social media Judi Dorrall said: "So sorry to read this. She was a great teacher. Condolences to all family."
"So sorry to read this she taught both my girls, condolences to family and friends," added Maureen Davidson.
Angela MacRae said: "Awe, sorry to read this. She was my English teacher at the IRA. Thinking of all her family and friends xx."
And Betsy M MacKay said: "She was an excellent teacher and a very lovely lady. Sweet memories. Sincere condolences to Isabel and Marion xx."
