A POPULAR teacher at a Dundee primary school has died after suffering a stroke in front of her class of eight-year-olds.

Less than two weeks into the new term, Mrs Beatrice Lynch (54) took ill in Craigiebarns Primary last Thursday.

Paramedics rushed to help but Mrs Lynch was pronounced dead in Ninewells Hospital later the same day.

Last night her grieving husband Bill said his wife left for work on Thursday morning with a migraine.

He received a phone call at their Wormit home in the early afternoon and assumed he was to collect his wife as the migraine had left her unfit to drive.

As he approached the school, the paramedics were following and it was obvious something serious was happening.

Mrs Lynch was one of the longest-serving teachers at Craigiebarns.

She was previously at Blackness Primary but moved to Craigiebarns when inspirational head teacher Ethel Sharp transferred there in 1985.

Mrs Sharp retired last year but continued to be a close friend of Mrs Lynch and will give the eulogy at the funeral in Balmerino Parish Church on Friday.

Mr Lynch said his wife will be buried at Balmerino Cemetery, which the couple often passed on walks.

They discussed it as the place they wanted to be laid to rest.

A native of Dundee, the redhead known as “Rusty” grew up in Kinghorne Road and attended Rockwell Primary and Harris Academy.

She trained as a teacher at Park Place, the former College of Education site.

She taught at Balerno Primary in Douglas, which closed down several years ago.

Former teachers, some now in their 80s, continue to have get-togethers, which Mrs Lynch attended.

Following the birth of her only child Stephen, now 19, Mrs Lynch was a supply teacher in Fife, including a spell at Balmerino Primary.

Her husband said he was touched by cards received from parents and former pupils, underlining the “legacy” a teacher leaves having helped children achieve their potential.

A keen animal lover, Mrs Lynch had just returned from holiday at Rosemarkie where she enjoyed watching the dolphins.

Her family have asked for donations in lieu of flowers for the Whale and Dolphin Conservation Society.