THE former school workmates of murdered learning support worker Maria Stewart have paid tribute to their much-loved colleague.
The 30-year-old mum-of-two had been working at Holmfirth High School with disabled children prior to her death.
Staff spoke at the time of her death of their shock and a permanent memorial has since been placed at the school.
Acting head teacher Gail Howe said: “A permanent stone memorial has been placed in the main entrance alongside a shrub.
“Her family attended a private service when it was laid in school grounds.”
The memorial stone reads: ‘Death brings a heartache that no one can ever heal,
But you can give us memories that no one can ever steal
Forever in our hearts’
Executive head Dr Andy Williams said: “Marie was extremely committed to her work in school and was a committed and caring person who will understandably be missed by those with whom she worked.”
Former colleagues Miriam Thomas, a special needs educational supervisor, and teaching assistant Dawn Bowers praised Marie.
Ms Thomas said:“Marie was a very pleasant person who was professional and good at her job. I knew she was going to fit in well with the team.”
Ms Bowers said: “She was very conscientious. She loved her job. She was very good at it. It was very demanding, physically and mentally.”
A FAMILY friend of murdered mum-of-two Marie Stewart has paid tribute to her family.
Steve Taylor, of Upperthong grew up in the same village as Marie and is a good friend of the Stewart family.
He said: “It’s one of those surreal things which happens to other people.
“For it to happen so close to home, as a parent it makes you appreciate what you’ve got.
“Marie was a lovely girl. Well mannered.
“She came from a good family background.
“Her dad was chairman of the Village Hall and her mum ran the local Rainbows as did Marie.
“They both did a lot of work in the community”.
Speaking of Marie’s two children he added: “The kids are doing well but it is expensive so as a community we want to ease the burden financially.
“If we can give them anything to help in what must be very strained circumstances we will.”