TRIBUTES have been paid to a much-loved former Verwood teacher who has passed away at the age of 83.

Marina Palethorpe taught at Hillside School before retirement and sadly passed away at the Ives House Care Home on Boxing Day.

A spokesperson for Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors, on behalf of her family, said she passed away “peacefully”.

“She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her,” they added.

Among dozens of tributes on social media was one which said: “That’s so sad. Mrs Palethorpe was my first teacher at Hillside. A wonderful lady, many treasured childhood memories. Sending love to her family at this difficult time.”

Another said she was a “wonderful and beautiful lady loved by so many”, while another said they had “lovely memories of Mrs Palethorpe teaching my children”.

A funeral service is planned at the New Forest Crematorium at noon on Friday, January 17.

The family has asked for any donations, in lieu of flowers, to be made to Alzheimer’s UK.

Marina Palethorpe has passed away at the age of 83. Picture: Nicholas O’Hara Funeral Directors