Tributes for 'truly incredible' former Burnley school receptionist who 'always went the extra mile'

A well loved and popular retired high school receptionist, who was among the first to greet hundreds of pupils and their teachers first thing in the morning for a decade, has died after a short illness.
Christine Woodruff was described as a 'true inspiration' to students and staff who she worked with the Burnley's Blessed Trinity RC High SchoolChristine Woodruff was described as a 'true inspiration' to students and staff who she worked with the Burnley's Blessed Trinity RC High School
Christine Woodruff was described as a 'true inspiration' to students and staff who she worked with the Burnley's Blessed Trinity RC High School

Hundreds of tributes from former students and colleagues have been paid on social media to Christine Woodruff, who was 68.

One former student described her as 'a truly incredible lady who did so much for me and others at Blessed Trinity.

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'Christine will be missed by many, a true inspiration to us all.'

Christine Woodruff was well liked and respected by hundreds of students and staff at the school where she worked for several yearsChristine Woodruff was well liked and respected by hundreds of students and staff at the school where she worked for several years
Christine Woodruff was well liked and respected by hundreds of students and staff at the school where she worked for several years

Another praised Christine for 'always going the extra mile' and another said 'she was a lovely lady and nothing was a problem for her.' Christine was also described as 'a woman who cared about everyone and who would go out of her way to help anyone.'

Known for her friendly and efficient manner at Blessed Trinity RC High School, Christine originally trained as a nurse after leaving the former Ivy Bank High School in Burnley She also spent 18 years working as a store detective for Boot's chemist and the job took her to a variety of places including the Lake District, Yorkshire and Manchester.

She became office manager as the former St Theodore's and St Hilda's RC high schools were merged to become Blessed Trinity, working initially at the Kiddrow Lane site. When the brand new school opened in Ormerod Road, Christine became receptionist.

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A real 'people person' Christine, who was devoted to her eight grandchildren, was the first port of call for many students with questions, problems and funny stories they wanted to tell her. And Christine astounded people as she appeared to know the names of every student in the school.

Christine also leaves her husband, Stephen, children Lucy and Lee, stepchildren Debbie and John, and her grandchildren Courtney, Anna, Jack, William, Louie, Thomas Francis and Martha.

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