Anne Brown, headteacher of Carntyne Primary in Glasgow, who died from a brain aneurysm last month, aged 46, was a much loved headteacher, friend and colleague.

Anne had taught at Carntyne Primary for the past 24 years, the last five as its head. Her sudden death has not only impacted on the school but on the whole community of Carntyne.

She had taught at all stages and particularly enjoyed working in the infant department. She was often seen with her infamous “talking, listening and seeing” soft toy cat Mog, who kept an eye on many children over the years. Even as headteacher, you would see her with Mog tucked under her arm as she left to cover a class or take an assembly.

Anne had a fantastic sense of humour, making her a popular teacher, member of staff and peer headteacher. She loved teaching music and playing the piano and helped many teachers get through nativities and assemblies.

She was extremely proud of all her staff and pupils; committed to taking the school forward and embracing new ideas.

Anne had an open-door policy to staff, pupils and parents and she made everyone feel welcome. She was compassionate, always knew the right thing to say and related well to others, whatever the issue.

In her personal life, Anne was devoted to her family, and was a much-loved wife, mum, sister and aunt, proud of all their achievements.

An active member of her Christadelphian Church, she had been on many youth holidays as a teenager herself and later as a leader.

Anne enjoyed dining out, especially Italian food, and having a good chat with her friends. She also enjoyed sport, particularly football, and she loved to shop - she had quite an impressive collection of handbags and shoes. “You can never have enough handbags,” was one of her famous cries. On a recent trip to New York with her husband Gordon, to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary, the city that never sleeps knew that Anne had shopped - and shopped!

Anne always went out of her way to help people. Even in death, that was still the case. Five people have benefited from her organ transplants - “an exceptional gift of life”, to quote the co-ordinator of the programme.

She was an inspiration to many people. We can be thankful for the lives that she touched and for the time that we knew her. We can strive to be like her.

Anne is survived by her husband Gordon, children Stuart, 21, and Fraser, 17, and sisters Susan and Jane.

Sharon McIlroy, depute head, Carntyne Primary.