Tributes sing out for loved music teacher

THE husband of a beloved Hobart music teacher who taught across Tasmania for more than 30 years says his wife “packed a lifetime into half a life” after her death on Saturday, aged 54.

The principal of Bellerive Primary School, where award-winning teacher Carolyn Cross taught since 2011, said it was an easy decision to name the school’s music room after the dedicated teacher.

Ms Cross’ husband of 20 years, Adrian Loone, told the Mercury his wife was a keen gardener and animal lover who could “sit for hours in front of a David Attenborough documentary” and was always surrounded by a “menagerie” of cats and dogs.

She “loved her family” and took an especial interest in the education of her nieces and nephews.

“She was sad she wouldn’t get to see them grow up,” Mr Loone said.

While she faced her illness with grace and courage, Latrobe-born Ms Cross, who taught for many years at Ulverstone High School in a 33-year career with Tasmania’s Department of Education, was “bitter about the fact she still had so much to do, she lamented the loss of what would have been”.

“She was her profession, she would have continued teaching right up until she couldn’t, and in many ways she did,” Mr Loone said.

“She packed a lifetime in half a life.” Bellerive principal Steven Hay said he was “blown away” by Ms Cross when he interviewed her to head the school’s fledgling music program.

“On two fronts: superficially, her hair colour and multi-coloured outfit,” Mr Hay said.

“But more importantly, with fact that she shared the same dreams and aspiration to build up our music program to be one of the best in government primary schools in the state. And I know we achieved it together.”

Mr Hay said he put out an invitation statewide for past students of Ms Cross to participate in her farewell concert in April, where the Carolyn Cross Music Room was unveiled.

“I was blown away by the response I got,” he said.

“Current students, former students and colleagues performing in our little playground area, we were so blessed that morning was one of those beautiful warm autumn mornings.

“She left an indelible mark on our school.”

Speaking at her farewell on April 8, Ms Cross said she would be all right because she was a “performer”.

“I had to be a performer, that’s what you do when you’re a musician. I’m going to perform today,” she said.

Throughout her career, Ms Cross won and was nominated for many awards, including winning the ASME Music Teaching for Life Award and clinching a Hardie Fellowship to study at New York’s Lincoln Centre.

She also lectured at the University of Tasmania between 2015–19.

She will be farewelled at a service for friends and family this week.