A NEWPORT teacher who dedicated nearly half a century to her school has died at home.

Ethel Mary Butler, 73, of Caerleon, died in her sleep on Sunday, May 23. Her career at Gaer Infant School spanned 45 years and after teaching generations of pupils she became head teacher.

Today, Miss Butler's family and former colleagues paid tribute to the woman they called "a pillar of the community".

Her nephew Gareth Butler, 47, said: "She was loved by everyone, she loved teaching reading and writing to the children and she also liked drama and maths.

"It's very unusual for a teacher to spend all their career at one school - she is responsible for teaching generations to read and write on an entire estate."

Miss Butler, who did not marry, organised many trips for pupils which she ensured were fun and educational.

From the Second World War until her retirement, in 1993, she took children to Bristol Zoo, St Fagans, Usk Agricultural College, and castles and taught almost 2,000 Newport children.

Towards the end of Miss Butler's career teaching had changed considerably.

"She went on courses about computers and she even learned Welsh," said Mr Butler. "She had to learn how to do school's accounts but she did it."

Miss Butler, who was known to her friends as Mary, was also an active member of the Monmouthshire Antiquarian Society.

Former colleague Iris Essery, 68, said: "I used to teach with Mary and I remember children running through the yard shouting, 'Yes, I'm in Miss Butler's class'.

"They were very happy, she was so popular with all the children.

"It used to make me laugh, when my son came home from school he used to say 'Miss Butler is so beautiful - it's not only her face but her hair'. He was very enthusiastic when he was in her class, she was an excellent teacher," she said.

The funeral will take place at St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon, on Wednesday, June 2, at 11.45am followed by burial at St Woolos Cemetery. Everybody is welcome.

Miss Butler is survived by her brother William, 75, and his three children Janet, 44, David, 42, and Gareth.