A “kind and compassionate” teacher who inspired children in Liverpool has died at the age of 43.
Mary Colgan died at the hands of her mother at her home in Aigbert in the early hours of Saturday, April 23. The mother of a child from Drogheda, Ireland, moved to the city at the age of 17 and trained to become a cooking teacher.
She spent 18 years as a lecturer in hospitality, catering and textiles at the Childwall Sports and Science Academy, where she was also head of the Faculty of Design and Technology. After working during her first coronavirus block, Mary was forced to quit her job after being diagnosed with stage IV Glioblastoma Multiforme in August 2020.
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Glioblastoma Multiforme is a fast-growing and aggressive brain tumor with a devastatingly short average survival time of only 12-18 months. Despite her diagnosis, best friend Julie Howie said Mary “gave the best fight” and did not want to know how long she would live.
Julie told ECHO: “She always said, ‘No one can tell me when I’m going to die, I’m only going to die when I’m ready to die.’ She faces every day, she was just an absolute inspiration to anyone who met her.
“She touched so many hearts and the messages were truly stunning with the way she behaved as a teacher; her compassion, her enthusiasm. Her email address was Miss Sunshine – she was a ray of sunshine.
Mary Colgan, 43, is pictured with her mother, Mary Colgan, and her twin sister, Anne Colgan. (Image: Family material)
Julie described Mary as a “real cook” who would arrive at school at 7:30 a.m. to prepare bacon legs for her students, and wanted to support students who might not otherwise have breakfast. She added: “She was just an amazing friend, my rock and an amazing teacher. She has a little boy – he is nine years old – he was her absolute world, and she – his.
“We made her dream come true from a very early age. She signed all of our Scouse Irish Forever cards, so what we decided to do as a legacy for her was really John, I … I was set up for Scouse Irish Forever website and Instagram. “
Julie said Scouse’s Irish website was set up by her and her friend John Paris after Mary was diagnosed to “promote the Liverpool-Ireland link” by selling Liverpool and Irish goods. All profits raised from the goods were donated to the Clatterbridge Cancer Center in Liverpool, where Mary received treatment.
The family is keen to raise awareness of Glioblastoma Multiforme and the need for more funding for brain tumors in Mary’s memory. Ever since the news of her death was announced on Scouse Irish’s Instagram page, respect has been invaded by friends, colleagues and former students.
One student wrote, “RIP Miss Colgan, my favorite teacher, always made us all smile heartily during every lesson.”
Mary has been described as a kind and inspiring teacher (Image: Family material)
A second said, “So sad news! DESTROY Miss Colgan. You were the most wonderful, the best, the happiest teacher! Thinking of you and your whole family and friends xxx.
A third said, “Heartbreaking. RIP to the greatest teacher I’ve ever had, such a wonderful woman.”
Radio City presenter Liane Campbell said: “The Queen. We will appreciate our beautiful handmade blankets and the memories of her boundless kindness. Forever in my mind. One of a kind x.”
A former colleague wrote: “I had the pleasure of spending my early teaching career working as part of the @childwallacademy staff. Mary was one of the best, there was always time for the students, making sure every child had a chance. Her famous cafe after staff dinners were legendary and she has always been the life and soul of the school. No more words, just memories, but I will keep them with me forever. Devastated, Miss Colgan sleeps peacefully, my sincere condolences to her entire family. Sully x “
From Monday, people will be able to sign a book of condolences at the Childwall Sports and Science Academy. Julie and her family would like to thank the Marie Curie Support and End of Life Support Team (STARS), the district nurses and the staff at Clatterbridge Cancer Center for their care of Mary.
Julie added: “They really took care of all of us to be honest and treated her with dignity, love and respect and that’s all you can ask for.”
Now the family is raising money for Marie Curie and fans supporting Foodbanks in memory of Mary. To donate click here or here.
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