RIP: 'Never without a smile' - Tributes paid to young Irish teacher and mother-of-two

A young Irish mother and beloved secondary school teacher has been remembered as "a wonderful colleague" and "an incredibly bright person" following her death last week.

Tanya Whelan (née O'Brien), originally from Carlow Town and living in Enniscorthy, passed away peacefully at home in Dunanore, Bree on Thursday, June 12, surrounded by her family.

According to her RIP.ie death notice, Tanya was the "dearly loved wife of James (Jim), loving mother of Jacob and Adam, cherished daughter of John and Tess and much loved sister of Jonathan".

Her funeral Mass was held on Sunday in Bree, with the family inviting mourners to wear bright colours "in accordance with Tanya's spirit" as a celebration of her life.

Colleagues and students from Loreto Secondary School in Wexford, where Tanya taught, have paid powerful tributes to a teacher described as compassionate, encouraging and deeply committed to her students.

One past Loreto student shared: "I had Ms Whelan a number of times throughout my time in Loreto. She was truly an incredibly bright person not just the way she teaches but in her spirit. She always came across as a genuine, caring and empathetic teacher. I will never forget how much she helped me throughout my Junior Cert and the amount of effort she put into everyone in the class. You would always leave her class feeling seen and respected."

Another tribute from a former Leaving Cert student read: "Ms Whelan was a teacher of mine whose warmth, enthusiasm and optimism inspired me throughout my Leaving Cert and moving forward with my life beyond second-level education. Her passion instilled a belief in myself that has irrevocably changed my life."

Staff members remembered Tanya as a beacon of positivity and professionalism.

"Tanya was an exceptional teacher and a really supportive colleague who was always full of friendliness and positivity. Her family meant so much to her, and she spoke of them with great love and pride. May she rest in peace," one wrote.

Another colleague shared: "Tanya was an exceptional teacher whose dedication and care touched the lives of so many. Her generosity with her time outside the classroom, working tirelessly on initiatives to improve the school and create a better environment for every child, was truly inspiring. Tanya's passion and hard work made a lasting impact that will be remembered and cherished."

Tanya previously worked in Tramore, where she was remembered as "a lovely girl, full of creativity, ideas and enthusiasm".

"It is terribly unfair to lose someone so young," her colleague wrote. "May she rest in peace."

A friend and fellow teacher said: "She was a wonderful colleague who was never without a smile on her face. She will be deeply missed by everyone. May her gentle soul rest forever in peace."

Tanya is deeply mourned by her husband Jim, sons Jacob and Adam, parents, brother, extended family, friends, students and colleagues.

In her memory, the family has invited donations to The Hope Centre, Enniscorthy or Éist Cancer Support Centre, Carlow.

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