Popular primary school teacher Aileen Fisher has passed away, aged 80.

Born on 10 April 1935 in Rutherglen to parents Nancy & Jimmy Ford, Aileen had one sister, Fiona, who is survived by her daughter Susan, who lives in Canada.

Aileen attended Rutherglen Academy and started her working life as a nurse in The Victoria Infirmary in Glasgow.

As a youngster, Aileen was a frequent visitor to her aunt and uncle's home in Fairlie, where she met Hugh, who she would later marry in 1958 in the Munro Church in Rutherglen. Aileen and Hugh had four children, Lesley, Laura, Janette and Hugh junior, aka “wee Hugh”.

After graduating with distinction as a mature student from Craigie College in Ayr in 1971, Aileen taught P5 at Largs and P1 and P2 at Fairlie Primary School.

Aileen’s teaching career continued with Head Teacher posts at Applecross in the Highlands and Dunragit in Dumfries & Galloway. Aileen was also seconded to create musical courses to help teachers who did not have a grounding in music.

In every school where Aileen taught, she ran a choir and in her retirement volunteered and led the Fairlie Primary School choir for many years.

She firmly believed that education was critical to a child’s development. Aileen continued her own education by way of an Open University Diploma in Reading Development and a BA Degree in Educational Subjects and Arts.

Local people will remember Aileen’s many performances with the Largs Operatic Society, The Largs Players and the Nor’Ayres, as well as her regular appearances at Burns’ Suppers. As a talented mezzo soprano, Aileen also sang with the RSNO Chorus and was still competing in festivals in her 70’s.

More recently, Aileen trained with the Humanist Society to become one of their celebrants. She officiated at funerals, weddings (including wee Hugh’s) and naming ceremonies.

Aileen was a member of the Largs Writers’ Group, Fairlie Art Group, and the Paisley Operatic Aria Club.

In 2010, Aileen was diagnosed with non curable Myeloma and Osteoporosis. With characteristic strength of character, Aileen fought these two conditions supported and cared for by Hugh. Aileen celebrated her 80th birthday in the Highlands with her large family around her.

Aileen passed away on 17th October at Inverclyde Hospital with Hugh and their children by her side. Aileen was a much loved wife, mother, grandmother, aunt and friend, who left a legacy for all to recall with pleasure and pride.