HEARTFELT tributes have been paid to an inspirational woman who helped hundreds of children achieve their dreams.

Staff and youngsters at St Bees Village Primary School are devastated following the sudden death of senior teaching assistant Louise Cruden.

Mrs Cruden, 50, has been described as a devoted member of staff whose passion and enthusiasm particularly helped children who found academic studies a challenge.

Friend and teacher at the school, Sheila Hansen, said: “She refused to give up on any of the pupils in her care, and to see them blossom and grow to reach their potential was truly inspirational.”

The mother-of-three, from Bigrigg, died 12 days ago following a bleed on the brain.

To show how much she meant to her pupils and colleagues, the school will be closed this Friday – the day of her funeral.

And her family have asked for any donations to be made to the school, where a memorial garden will be created in her memory.

Mrs Cruden’s husband, Paul, paid an emotional tribute to his wife with whom he had recently celebrated 25 years of marriage.

He said: “She was a wonderful wife and mother, very loving and caring. She was really proud of her three boys as well as all the work she did at the school.

“She loved her job, especially the one-to-ones she did with the children. When she had a small group to help - that’s what she enjoyed the most.”

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St Bees teacher and close friend Sarah George echoed Mr Cruden’s thoughts.

“Louise was an exceptional, passionate and hugely inspirational teaching assistant who had a natural gift for making learning fun for all the children in her care,” she said.

“She was a perfectionist in every aspect of her job and always went over and beyond in her role within school. Children worshipped Louise and were always delighted to find out that they would be working with her in a group or on a one-to-one basis. Through her nurturing approach, Louise was always able to help children of all abilities reach their potential but had a particular skill in helping children who found academic studies quite a challenge.”

Mrs George added: “Those children who were fortunate enough to work with “Super Cru” as she became affectionately known, will cherish the many happy memories of time spent working under her expert guidance, the kindness in her approach and, most importantly, how much fun they had whilst learning.

“Louise was far more than a teaching assistant; she was a friend to all and also a very dear and close personal friend to many of the staff. She was an absolute ray of sunshine who brightened any room she entered with her wonderful smile and great sense of humour.

“She will always be in our thoughts and treasured memories, and forever in the hearts of all the children and staff who were privileged to work with her.”

Mrs Cruden had been Mrs George’s teaching assistant for the past four years, and during that time, they formed a unique bond.

“In school we were very much a double act in front of the children having great ‘banter’ which the children loved – the classroom always had a lively, fun atmosphere when “Super Cru” was around.”

Mrs Cruden worked at Sellafield before having her three children, Lee, 22, Sam, 20 and Ryan, 19.

She then decided to change career and trained to be a teaching assistant.

She worked at a few schools on an agency-type basis, before landing a job at St Bees 15 years ago.

Teacher Sheila Hansen said Mrs Cruden’s vocation was inspiring children to develop a love of learning and education.

“Louise believed that learning should be as much fun as possible and she implemented this at every opportunity,” she said. “Her pupils loved her and the impact she had on their learning was monumental.

“Hugely respected for her dedication and hard work, Louise was a highly valued member of staff at St Bees; her talent for knowing just the right approach to encourage and develop individual pupils will be sorely missed.”

Speaking about their relationship outside of school, Mrs Hansen said: “Louise was a very good friend, fiercely loyal and larger than life. She was a joy to be with, hilarious and always ready for an adventure.

“We have wonderful memories of the brilliant escapades we have shared and cannot believe she is no longer here to share future ones.

“Louise was the life and soul of any excursion, never wanted the experience to end and grasped life with both hands. She loved her family and friends without reservations and we were lucky to have been part of her life.

“We are devastated at her passing and will never forget her.”

The school is planning to create an outdoor learning area and memorial garden – something which Mrs Cruden had wanted to do for years.

Headteacher Emma Sharp, called Mrs Cruden a “truly wonderful woman” who became very special to her in the time she knew her.

“Her ability to work with children and inspire them to achieve the best they could was second to none,” she said. “So many children have been touched by her gift of teaching and are now doing so well because of the work she did with them.

“She was also a beautiful ray of sunshine in school. So happy and fun loving. Our staffroom won’t ever be quite the same again. All our thoughts and prayers are with Louise’s family and friends.”

Mr Cruden said that the amount of messages, cards and well wishes the family has received following his wife’s death has been “unbelievable”.

“We have had to start sticking the cards on the wall as there’s so many,” he added. “We would like to thank everybody for their support.”

Mr Cruden said his wife was an organ donor and her family are finding comfort at the thought she has helped four people.

n Mrs Cruden’s funeral service will be held at Distington Hall Crematorium at midday on Friday, with donations to St Bees Village Primary School.