A County Armagh school has paid tribute to a long-serving staff member after her sad passing at the weekend, describing her as a “remarkably kind woman with a heart of gold”.
Gail Hempkin, from Portadown, had worked at Craigavon Senior High School for 28 years, with colleagues there quick to pay tribute to a very special person who will be missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her.
Gail passed away unexpectedly on Sunday, at the age of 55.
The mum-of-three was a vital member of the team at Craigavon Senior High, where she performed a number of roles and was always willing to go above and beyond and help anyone in need.
Having worked as both a lunchtime supervisor and school cleaner, Craigavon Senior High described her as a “steady, dependable and vital part of our school family”.
In a fitting tribute on social media, the school expressed “deep sadness” at her passing, adding: “A remarkably kind woman with a heart of gold, Gail was a friendly face in the dinner hall who brought endless warmth, banter, and genuine care to students and staff alike.
“She always looked for the good in every young person, offering constant encouragement, guidance and a listening ear.
“Her absence will be profoundly felt by pupils, staff, and parents in the days ahead. We send our deepest condolences, thoughts, and prayers to Gail’s family and friends during this incredibly difficult time.
“Rest in peace, Gail. You will be dearly missed.”
Friends and colleagues were also devastated and quick to pay tribute.
One said: “The news of Gail’s passing is heartbreaking… Her smile, her laugh, and the craic she brought will be truly missed… Gail cared so much for the pupils in school. She took time for them, looked out for them and brought so much kindness to staff and pupils alike. She will be so greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Thinking of Gail’s family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time x”.
Another added: “Our staffroom will never be the same without you; your warmth, your friendship, your smile, your genuine true heart. Am absolutely heartbroken to say the least.”
Yet another described her as a “truly wonderful lady who always loved a laugh and brought joy to those around her”.
She added: “She was kind-hearted, compassionate, and always there for anyone who needed her. It was an absolute pleasure to have worked with Gail, and she will be greatly missed. My heartfelt condolences go to her family and friends at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Gail.”
The kind words and fond remembrances told a story of one who will be greatly missed, as one reflected: “Gail was such a joy to be around and always showed a genuine interest in everyone. She would never have let you pass without a chat and was the best craic. She will be a massive loss to CSHS for all she brought to the roles she did. Thinking of her family and friends at this really difficult time x”
Described in a death notice as the cherished mum of Alan, Jordan and James and a treasured sister of Nigel and Andrina, a funeral service will take place on Thursday.
Family homes are strictly private, but family and friends are welcome to visit Milne’s Funeral Home in Portadown tomorrow (Wednesday) between 6pm and 8pm.
The funeral service will be held there on Thursday at 11am, with committal following in Kernan Cemetery.
The family have requested no flowers but have asked that donations in lieu if desired by directed for the benefit of Air Ambulance Northern Ireland via www.milnefuneralservices.co.uk/donate 02838338888.
