FOND tributes were today paid to a popular and well-known Ipswich teacher, lecturer and trade unionist who has died.Rosemary Row taught at several schools across the town before switching to Suffolk College where she lectured in performing arts and media studies.

FOND tributes were today paid to a popular and well-known Ipswich teacher, lecturer and trade unionist who has died.

Rosemary Row taught at several schools across the town before switching to Suffolk College where she lectured in performing arts and media studies, until she died of a heart attack on August 12.

It was at the college that Mrs Row, 60, became involved with the teaching union, eventually assuming the position of regional chairwoman of the National Association of Teachers of Further or Higher Education (NATFHE).

She was also an active member of the Ipswich Trades Council, a representative to the Learning and Skills Council Teachers Union Forum and a delegate to Ipswich Borough Council's Trade Union Forum.

Her husband, John Row, said it was this dedication to others which stood her apart.

He said: “She was a dynamo and she never let obstacles stop her.

“She had a heart attack in 1999 and was on five pills a day but her attitude was 'you can either spend your life whinging or just get on with it'.

“She was always willing to fight for other people, never giving up on anything.

“Every time I walk through town people come up to me and tell me that my wife did something for them or helped them.

“She always told people to follow their dream and not let anything get in their way.”

Mrs Row, of Belvedere Road, moved to Ipswich from London in 1970. She taught at many schools including Tower Ramparts, Stoke, Priory Heath, Landseer and Westbridge Pupil Referral Unit.

During this period, she also worked as a lighting technician at the old arts theatre in Tower Street.

Mrs Row was well known for her work on behalf of the Cleft Lip and Palette Association (CLAPA), throwing herself into a public awareness campaigning after her son was born with the condition in 1980.

She leaves three children, Sally Rush, Aza Row and Miles Row.

Her funeral will take place at Ipswich Cemetery's West Chapel at 2.45pm on Monday . A wake will be held at the CSV Media Clubhouse in 120 Princes Street. There will also be another gathering at The Steamboat Tavern in New Cut West in the evening.

Donations should be sent directly to CLAPA or through the Co-op Funeral Directors.

Would you like to pay tribute to Rosemary Row? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or e-mail eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk