Much-loved English teacher passes away
Family and friends pay tribute to the late Jan Merrick
Tributes have been paid to a much-loved teacher who sadly passed away last Friday.
Jan Merrick, 60, spent 26 years spreading her love of books to the children of Linwood in her job as an English teacher.
The mum-of-four taught at St Brendan’s High School from 1991 and later moved to St Benedict’s when it opened in 2006.
She was the faculty head of languages at the school and worked there until the schools broke up for the summer holidays last month.
In a statement, the family said: “We are very sad to announce the passing away, on Friday, July 14, of Jan Merrick – soulmate to Matt, and loving mother to Donald, Kayt, John, and Christine.
She is also survived by her mother, Kathleen, and her dotedupon granddaughters, Ruby, and Katy Jane.
“She will also be remembered fondly as a teacher by all those who had contact with her at St Brendan’s and St Benedict’s High Schools.
“The family would like to pay tribute and thanks to the paramedics and hospital staff at the Royal Alexandra Hospital for all of their efforts and care.”
Gerry O’Neil, St Benedict’s head teacher, added: “Jan was the faculty head of languages in St Benedict’s High School and was well respected by both pupils and staff.
“She worked in the school since it opened in 2006 and served the local community for the past 26 years, teaching English in St Brendan’s from 1991.
“She was a much-loved friend and colleague who will be sadly missed by all in our school community.”
Jan will be brought to St Conval’s Church, Linwood and a service held at 6pm on Thursday, July 20. The funeral will take place at 10am on Friday, July 26 at the church then Houston Cemetery at 11am.
The family said they would welcome flowers but would also encourage donations to the charity, Room to Read, “in tribute to Jan’s passion for teaching, stories, and enabling others”.
Jan had previously set up a fundraising page for the charity, vowing to get more active to raise money.
She said: “Education is something I feel very passionate about – something I believe no child, no matter where they’re born, should live without.”
As the Paisley Daily Express went to press, the page had raised a fantastic £281.
To give, go to https :// g i v e . r oomt o r e a d . o r g / fundraiser/1031628
Jan was well respected by pupils and staff Gerry O’Neil