TRIBUTES have been paid to a dedicated teacher with a “real zest for life” who has sadly lost her two-year battle with cancer.

Suzanne Bailey, 53, was a history teacher and former head of year at the Cecil Jones College, in Eastern Avenue, Southend.

Mrs Bailey, known as Suzi to her friends, taught there for almost ten years, and had recently begun acting as a mentor to newer members of staff.

Deputy head John McEachern said: “Suzi was an exceptional teacher so we wanted to use her expertise to help those who were new to the profession. She was a great listener and a real support to both students and staff.

“Suzi was a real battler, she hated injustice and fought hard on behalf of students to overcome it.

“She had a real zest for life, she never gave up, and always had time for people. She is going to be sorely missed.”

The much-loved teacher was so popular the school will be closed next Friday afternoon, November 19, to allow pupils and staff to attend her funeral at St Mary’s church in Prittlewell.

Mr McEachern said: “Because Suzi had touched the lives of so many staff and students, the governors kindly agreed to close the school for the afternoon so that as many people as possible can attend.”

He added that since news of her death was announced, at least ten of Mrs Bailey’s former pupils had stopped by the school to express their condolences.

Following a family-only service at Southend Crematorium, the school will be holding an event to celebrate her life.

It will also provide condolence books for students and staff to sign.

Donations made in her memory will be passed to her family to be given to a cancer charity of their choice. The school is also preparing to dedicate one of their annual student awards to her memory.

Before moving to Cecil Jones, where she was a regular supporter of a range of school trips, Mrs Bailey taught at James Hornsby High School, in Laindon.

She had been diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008 and had been in remission, but deteriorated suddenly and passed away on November 1.

Mrs Bailey, who lived in Westcliff, leaves a daughter Charlotte, 22, a university student.