A TEACHER described as ‘radiating love and energy’ who taught generations of children in Burnley has lost her battle with cancer.

Ruth McKiernan, 58, of Woodgrove Road, Burnley, who taught at schools in the town for 36 years, had bravely fought pancreatic cancer after being diagnosed 14 months ago.

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Mrs McKiernan was married to Pat, a former deputy head St Theodore’s School who now works at Burnley FC looking after the educational needs of the club’s young players.

She was born in Jarrow, Tyne and Wear and moved to Lancashire in 1978.

She taught modern languages at St Theodore’s RC High School from from 1981 to 2006 before moving to Thomas Whitham Sixth Form where she spent eight years.

She also leaves two children, Joseph, 32, and Beth, 28, and two grandchildren, Joseph and Isabella.

She had retired from Thomas Whitham Sixth Form in August 2014, the same month the disease was diagnosed.

David Warren, assistant head at Thomas Whitham Sixth, said: “Ruth was a vibrant, larger than life character who touched the lives of everybody she met whether as a colleague, a teacher or a friend and many on the staff knew her in all three capacities.

“A straight talking Geordie, she radiated love and energy whenever you crossed her path.

“She was a teacher students didn’t just respect but loved and a colleague who for many became a confidante and a role model.

“She spent all her teaching career in East Lancashire serving a community she grew to both love and respect.

“She worked with her beloved husband, Pat at St Theodore’s for many years but with the reorganisation of all the Burnley Schools in 2006 started the new adventure of working at Burnley Schools’ Sixth Form, which soon after became Thomas Whitham Sixth Form.

“Ruth’s biggest impact on all she met though was her larger than life personality that radiated love to all.”

Mrs McKiernan was often seen at Turf Moor supporting the Clarets.

A spokesman from Burnley FC said: “All at the club are saddened to hear of Ruth’s passing.

“She was an immensely popular and special woman.

“Pat is a tremendously valued member of staff and everyone here will support him at this sad time.”

Mrs McKiernan spent her final few weeks at Pendleside Hospice and Pat was keen to praise their work.

He said: “It’s the most amazing place and every single member of staff was amazing and so helpful and thoughtful.

“It was a sad experience but a wonderful experience as I saw so many caring people in the community.

“She felt so safe there and was dignified to the last.

“As a family we have been really moved by the support and kindness that we have received at this sad time.

“We have asked for no flowers at the funeral from people outside the family but donations to Pendleside Hospice are more than welcome.”

Ruth spent her early career teaching at St Theodore’s, which later merged with St Hilda’s to form Blessed Trinity RC College.

Phil Thompson, deputy head at Blessed Trinity, said: “We are very sorry to hear the news about Ruth and pass on our condolences to her family.

“She devoted many years to the education of children in Burnley and was much loved by pupils and well-respected by colleagues.

“Ruth will be warmly remembered by all who worked with or were taught by her.”

Mrs McKiernan’s funeral will be held on Thursday, October 22, at 10am at St Mary’s RC Church in Yorkshire Street followed by a burial at Burnley Cemetery.