THE family of a teacher killed by a brain haemorrhage were last night drawing comfort from learning how well-loved she was by former pupils.

Linda Baynham, 53, taught students history at the former Peers School, in Littlemore, now the Oxford Academy, for more than 20 years.

Ms Baynham collapsed at the wheel of her car while driving at the Oxford Retail Park roundabout in Cowley on Wednesday evening last week. She was taken to the John Radcliffe Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

After leaving Peers just over two years ago, the mother-of-two became a student progress manager at Meadowbrook College, the county’s specialist pupil referral unit in Marston, where she worked with children who have been excluded from schools.

Her husband of 25 years, Michael Stimpson, of Dorchester, said: “She was a decent, honest and compassionate person.

“Linda did not see herself as anyone special, but to those who knew her, she certainly was.”

He added: “The family has been stunned by Linda’s death but the support we have been given by friends has been a real comfort.

“The messages we have received from former colleagues and pupils have really brought it home to us how well respected she was as a teacher.

“A number of friends have also told us how supportive Linda was for them in troubled times.”

Ms Baynham,who was born in Stourbridge, in the West Midlands, met her husband when they were studying at Bristol University.

She trained to be a teacher in Manchester before starting her first job in West Bromwich. The couple married in 1986 and moved to Oxford the same year, where Ms Baynham began teaching at Peers School.

She also worked as a sixth-form co-ordinator. The couple had two sons, Jack, 18, and James, 21.

Her family said that Ms Baynham loved working with children from deprived areas and enjoyed the challenges it brought.

Former Peers School colleague Margaret White said: “We have fantastic memories of the support she gave, her laughter, love for the school and commitment to the students. We miss her desperately.”

Andrew Creese, the headteacher of Meadowbrook College, said: “Linda made a real difference to the lives of students and staff alike.

“She was a caring professional and outstanding teacher. She will be greatly missed by all.”

Her funeral is at Oxford Crematorium, in Bayswater Road, Headington, at 3pm on Monday.

eallen@oxfordmail.co.uk