Marie Ann Sharp, nee Coote, known to thousands of former pupils of Falmouth’s King Charles School after more than a quarter-century’s service there, has died after a short illness. She was 68.

The funeral service took place at Falmouth Parish Church, where she was also active in a number of roles over many years. She lived almost all her life in Falmouth and was one of its most popular residents, being widely known in numerous circles.

Marie retired from her school job just over two years ago. She originally anticipated working there “temporarily” while her own children were at school, but found she wanted to stay on in such a happy environment.

She was initially employed as finance manager, but, in line with the school’s further development, she took a degree and became its business manager in 2007.

On the receiving end of a surprise presentation to mark her 25th anniversary at the school in 2013, Marie said: "It’s all down to the children and the lovely staff that I have stayed here so long. Their wonderful smiling faces make everything worthwhile.”

Marie completed her education at the old Trescobeas County Secondary School as head girl and later became head of governors at the successor Falmouth School. Soon after leaving school, she became a Sunday School teacher at the Parish Church, where she also served as a Beaver leader and Girl Guide leader.

She studied accounting and secretarial work at Falmouth Technical College prior to early employment at Stratton and Holborow estate agents and E Thomas Construction.

Before raising a family, her longest employment period was with G C Fox & Co in Falmouth, first in the shipping department and then in the travel agency.

In 1974 she married Mick, who served in the Royal Navy for 25 years, latterly as a Chief Petty Officer, and then worked a further 25 years at Falmouth Docks as a manager. The couple had two children, Peter and Matthew, and three grandchildren, Isabella, Arthur and Thea.

First child of Joan and Roy Coote, Marie was born into a sporting family. She played for her Trescobeas school netball team and rowed for Greenbank Falmouth Rowing Club.

Apart from one year at Portland during Mick’s Navy service, she lived in Falmouth all her life.

Maintaining her own parents’ traditions, Marie was well-known for providing an “open house” and liked nothing more than feeding friends and family.

At her funeral service, lifelong friend Eileen Bennett recalled her “legendary” buffets, with a seemingly inexhaustible supply of food. She added: “Mick and Marie were wonderfully welcoming hosts, and anyone calling at their house could be sure of a big hug and ‘come on in’ at any time.

“Marie had the knack of making each person feel special and brightened the dullest day with her smile and warmth. She was small in stature but had a big smile and an even bigger heart. She seemed to know everyone. If we were by the window in a restaurant, there would be a constant procession of passers-by either waving to her or even coming in to chat.”

Linda Masterson, retired former deputy head and often acting head at King Charles School, recalled how Marie was “always there to support and advise in difficult times.”

She was “a consummate professional” in her role as business manager and was heavily involved in major development projects at the school.

“But what I remember most about Marie at King Charles was the fun we had,” said Mrs Masterson. “She was always the first to dive into the dressing-up box to find an outfit for Comic Relief, Children In Need, Cancer Research and other charity fundraisers, encouraging the rest of the office staff to dress up, too.

“Marie took part in as many of the school’s events as possible – where she could be with the children, not just sat in an office – such as scoring on sports days, helping with school fairs, being involved in the wet sponges for Comic Relief.

“She loved taking part in the pantomimes and going on school camp, having a go at all the activities, such as climbing high ropes, abseiling, gorge walking, caving, kayaking, pony trekking and much more. She was very good at encouraging the more reticent children to try these activities. Marie was a fun-loving, caring and loyal friend and we will miss her greatly.”

Marie’s son Peter paid tribute to her “inspirational” qualities of love, selflessness, kindness, strength, fierce loyalty and protection given to all those she cared about. He said: “She loved Falmouth and gave so much to the town that it is not the same place without her. Many people have said she was like a Mum to them or called her Auntie Marie.

“In the last 12 months, Mum somehow raised the bar in all of the qualities that made her so special. She taught more to many about the extents of bravery, compassion, spirit, determination and dignity than perhaps they thought possible.

“She spent a lifetime looking out for others and never changed – and never gave up, putting unlimited amounts of love into everything.”

The funeral service was conducted by the Rev A De Gruchy and the Rev Stephen Tudgey. Marie is survived by her widower, their two children and three grandchildren, her mother, her brother Ron and sisters Chrissie and Val.