Tributes paid to 'wonderful' Sheffield teacher after death aged 41

Johanne Scott spent her entire teaching career at Monteney Primary School after qualifying in 2012.

She passed away on Friday, 29 May due to a pre-existing health condition, leaving behind her husband of 19 years Richard and 17-year-old daughter Megan.

A tribute from the school read: “Whatever Jo was doing she always brought a sense of fun, which helped her develop such strong and positive relationships with children and families.

“Jo prided herself on the relationships she made. This was a real strength of hers, and the reason she was so well liked by all that knew her and had the pleasure of working with her.”

Clare Hayes, the school’s principal, described Johanne as a “wonderful teacher” who was ‘much-loved by colleagues, children and families’. The school said they have been inundated with messages and floral tributes following the news of her passing.

The tribute continued: “Jo’s caring and kind nature shone through every day and this made a huge and lasting difference to the many children she taught.

“Jo always seemed to have time or make the time to offer support to others, and would greet everyone with a beautiful and welcoming smile. Jo will also be fondly remembered for her sparkle and absolute love for pink and flamingos. It is fitting the many tributes, cards and flowers placed at the school gates and on social media remember her in this way.”

One of the tributes left at the school gates read: ‘Thank you for just being you!’ Another read: ‘Jo, you were a beautiful person inside and out, sadly taken too early.’

Nicola Shipman, CEO of Steel City Schools Partnership, added: “From messages received from leaders and other teachers across the Trust, they all remember Jo for her passion and eagerness to know more and learn more.”

Johanne’s husband Richard has set up a fundraiser to pay for a ‘fun-outdoor space’ at Monteney in memory of his wife.

He said: “She was the most loving, generous and genuine person I have ever met. We were best friends as well as husband and wife.

“She was just totally devoted as a mother, Megan was Johanne’s pride and joy.”

The pair met when Johanne was 19 and were due to celebrate their twentieth wedding anniversary in October. The family of three lived together in Aston.

Richard added: “As a teacher she was dedicated, she would have done it for free – it was her passion, she always wanted to be a teacher.”

“The tribute would mean the world to Johanne because she was all for the kids.”

As of Wednesday, £4200 of the £5000 fundraising target has been raised. You can donate here.