Teacher is remembered one year on

A Lanarkshire English teacher is being fondly remembered by colleagues and pupils a year on from her tragic death.

Donna Camillo, who taught at Holy Cross in Hamilton, passed away suddenly on April 12,

2021 following a short illness.

Much-loved Donna taught at the school for more than 20 years and was remembered as a popular and respected member of staff when tributes poured in for her last year.

Holy Cross posted a poignant message in memory of Mrs Camillo to mark the anniversary of her death with a quote by renowned poet Sylvia Plath.

The school Tweeted: “Remembering a very special person today. Mrs Camillo is fondly remembered and missed by us all in Holy Cross High School.

“’God, let me think clearly and brightly; let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences, let me someday see who I am.’ – Sylvia Plath.”

Another lovely tribute followed the post by a user who shared it. It read: “She was a truly amazing woman and teacher.”

The passing of Mrs Camillo, who was from Airdrie, shocked the wider community.

She was known to regularly go the extra mile to help students, as Holy Cross headteacher John Reilly explained last April when he led the tributes to his colleague.

He announced at the time:“it is with a feeling of great sadness that I have to inform our young people, parents and carers of the death of Mrs Camillo, of our English Department.

“Mrs Camillo passed away on the evening of Monday, April 12, following a short illness. Mrs Camillo was a much loved, popular and respected member of staff who had been a teacher in our English department from October 1999.

“With her trademark ‘quirky’outfits, usually combined with a pair of Dr Martin boots, Mrs Camillo certainly had a style all of her own.

“This unique sense of style she carried into the classroom with the manner in which she delivered her lessons to each of her classes.

“Her aim was to convey her love of English to young people of all ages and of all academic ability through her knowledge and intellect and her enthusiasm and passion for her subject.

“An aim which she fulfilled more often than not assisted by her unique sense of humour which her classes loved.”

The school vowed to celebrate the life of their beloved teacher who is still sorely missed by so many.