TRIBUTES have been paid to a former teacher of a Canvey primary school who died earlier this month.

June Johnson taught at Northwick Park School, in Third Avenue, for 30 years before retiring.

She was 73 when she passed away from a range of health complications, including with the concluding cause of death being sepsis. She died on May 5.

Born in West Ham in 1945, June and her family moved to the island in 1955.

June’s only daughter, Samantha Pattison, 49, explained how all her aunts and uncles already lived on Canvey when June followed.

Samantha said: “My mum and dad knew everyone on Canvey and my dad owned a butcher shop so it was very hard to get into mischief growing up because everyone knew me as June the teacher’s daughter or the butcher’s daughter.

“Everyone who my mum taught at Northwick has lovely memories of her, she was a netball coach too.

“She was a very fun person and liked socialising.

“She was a bit of a party girl, there were lots of parties at hers.

“She was a happy lady, she never had any moans and groans.”

June was an only-child, as is Samantha, but she had three grandchildren Ben, 17, Toby, 15 and Hallie, 12.

Samantha added: “Mum was very close to the children. They all read out a poem for her funeral. “My son played chess with her a lot.

“They called her ‘Nanny June on the Moon, with her Broom’.”

June’s health began to deteriorate following problems with her mobility. She endured a six-week stint in hospital and required care at home upon her release.

June had a weak heart, problems with her gallstones, as well as chronic kidney failure. Sadly, she contracted sepsis.

The funeral at Pitsea Crematorium took place on Wednesday, May 29. Many friends, family and colleagues attended including Ray Howard.

One of June’s former pupils at Northwick, Adam Roberts, said: “Mrs Johnson was my last ever teacher in Juniors. I wasn’t ready to go up to big school.

“I sobbed and she gave me the biggest hug which I’ll never forget. She was absolutely amazing in every way.

“My favourite teacher, anyone taught by her was very very lucky.”

June’s cousin Joan, said: “I am so proud of my lovely cousin. People have written such beautiful messages. June loved her time at Northwick with pupils and colleagues.”