Káren Fernandez

Hey sis! Took me a while to say something! I am going to where we played and ran over the hills and deep into the woods. We were 7-8 ish! Gone all day and making ourselves into the perfect loving and fun and giving people we became! Yeap going to our childhood happy spot! The Wye Valley at Tintern Abbey farmhouse! You are always with me! I am going to go to the Pulpit and scream/ shout your name and your favourite words to the Wye Valley: “I love you!” Always kp

I only wish I had the chance to meet Karen in real life! One of my long-lost cousins, whom I will cherish through our Facebook friendship and our love of teaching. Her dedication to Chai, after the loss of Ben, is one example of her caring for others. I was devastated to hear of her sudden passing. Sending love and hugs to all.

Karen took a punt on giving me my first teaching job and for that I will be forever grateful. She was such a wonderful woman who taught me so much during my time at MOCs. She helped me not only as a teacher but also as a young mother who had no clue what she was doing! She was always there with advice, laughter and compassion, even if my accent made it sound like I couldn’t pronounce her name properly! My deepest condolences to all of her family and close friends. X

I first met Karen as a fresh-faced and naïve Uni grad, with rose-tinted dreams of teaching. I was only at MOCS for a 2 week taster before applying for Uni and after 2 days I was seriously reconsidering my life choices, until she swept me into her classroom and gave me the terrifying opportunity to team teach her year 7 class. She guided me through a plan, pointed out any potential pitfalls and praised any good ideas I gave; and then she let me loose with them. Whilst I have never been so scared in my life, not once did I feel like she would have let me fail, and that feeling continued right through the years I spent with her as a colleague at MOCS. Even when she was busy or stressed, she never turned anyone away who asked for help. She was an absolute individual from her continuously changing hairstyles that matched her equally colourful language, and she taught me that it was ok to show that bright, unique side of yourself in teaching - and that Doc Martens are a truly acceptable footwear choice. She will be greatly missed, but her memory will live on not just with her family and those who knew her, but in the many students whose lives she enriched with humour, knowledge and kindness. Goodbye, Karen xx

My thoughts and prayers are with Karen's family at this very sad time. It has been such a shock to learn of Karen's passing. I loved her passion for life, her utter dedication to her family, her perpetual support for students and staff alike and her infectious laugh! The world is a sadder place without her.

To Karen's beloved family, I am so truly sorry for your immense loss. Karen was such a fabulous character, with such strength and passion for life. With lots of love and prayers.

Dear Josh, Chaiylah and the rest of Karen's family. It was such a shock to hear of Karen's sudden passing and I wish you every blessing as you rebuild your lives without her. She will live on in your memories and in the lives of the many students she taught. With much love, Sarah Meads

I was a TA for Karen while she taught English at Corsham. We shared many many laughs and she talked constantly about her beautiful granddaughter All my love xxx