Tributes paid to former headteacher

Tributes have been paid today to a former Shropshire school headmistress who has died at a county nursing home.

Dorothy Ray, the former head of Priory Girls School in Shrewsbury, passed away peacefully on October 12 at Radbrook Nursing Home. She was 92.

Speaking ahead of her sister's funeral today Peggy Ray, of Radbrook, said her elder sibling had enjoyed a successful career as a teacher and would be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

She said Dorothy, who was born in Birmingham, had completed a maths degree at Royal Holloway College in London and subsequently taking up posts in Coventry and Newcastle-under-Lyme.

Peggy, 86, said: "In 1950 she became headmistress of Newport High School for Girls and in 1962 she became headmistress of the Priory School for girls in Shrewsbury."

During her career Dorothy earned the respect of pupils and their families.

Peggy added: "She was held in high respect by pupils, parents and staff who so appreciated her understanding help and advice. She retired in 1976."

Dorothy was an active member of the community and took part in many other activities. She took on the responsibilities of being a magistrate and became chairman of the bench and enjoyed the work of the Shropshire centre of the National Trust where she was chairman at one time and later president. She was also a governor of several schools.

Peggy added: "Her leisure interests included foreign travel especially to Norway and a love of the countryside and continuing contact with her many colleagues from over the years.

"I shall miss her tremendously. She has been a wonderful sister to me."

Miss Ray's funeral was due to take place at 11.30am today at Holy Trinity Church, Meole Brace. Donations made at the service will be passed on to the Severn Hospice at Bicton Heath, Shrewsbury.