The loss of Margaret being '˜deeply felt' at Bronte PS

Margaret died on Tuesday 24 May following a period of illness and her funeral took place in Ballyroney Presbyterian Church on Thursday 26 May at 2pm followed by burial in adjoining churchyard.

Mrs Ferris joined the staff of Bronte Primary School, as the school’s first Vice-Principal, in August 2000. As Vice-Principal she had a wide variety of roles within the school including; Literacy Co-ordinator, Designated Teacher for Child Protection, Pastoral Care Co-ordinator and teacher in charge of school assemblies and students on placement.

Principal of Bronte Primary School, Elizabeth Davidson, paid tribute to Margaret.

“First and foremost she was a dedicated, hardworking and talented teacher who thoroughly enjoyed teaching and loved children,” she said.

“She fostered a love of learning in her classroom and made learning fun while expecting the highest standard of work and behaviour from every pupil.

“In her role of Vice-Principal, I had her complete support in everything. We worked very closely together and she was always available and willing to help, advise, encourage and listen.

“Even during her period of illness, she was keen to know what was happening in Bronte, showing her interest in and support for the school.

“Mrs Ferris had a great relationship with all the staff in Bronte Primary School and Nursery Unit. She loved to laugh and very often made others laugh with her anecdotes and great ability to ‘call a spade a spade’. “She was a very caring person who was always interested in the welfare of others, showing great kindness to those in trouble or distress, putting her strong Christian faith into practice.

“She was not only a work colleague but a very dear friend and it is a privilege to have known her.

“The loss is deeply felt by the whole school community; who held her in the highest regard. She will be very fondly remembered and greatly missed in Bronte Primary School and Nursery Unit, as one who loved much and was much loved.

“As a school, we send our very sincere sympathy to her family, especially her husband Conrad, son Simon and daughter Kate, assuring them of our prayers at this very difficult time.

Margaret was the dearly-loved wife of Conrad and much-loved mother of Simon and Kate and darling daughter and step-daughter of Sam and Maureen Murphy.