Lorraine Cooper, a retired headteacher from Port Seton, has died, aged 58.

Born and raised in Edinburgh, Lorraine had a number of interests and talents as a young girl – with a particular flair for art.

After leaving Portobello High School she decided to pursue a career in education and studied at Moray House College. Following graduation, she landed her first teaching post at the capital’s London Street Primary School.

She married her husband David in 1978 and the couple moved to Port Seton two years later.

They quickly became active members of the local community, running a badminton club at Chalmers Memorial Church.

She served as a Sunday School teacher at Chalmers for several years and helped David – later a church elder and senior fire officer – organise successful ‘family nights’ for parishioners at the Loch Centre, Tranent.

Following the birth of her children, Lorraine became a supply teacher for Lothian Regional Council.

She then secured a permanent position at Prestonpans Primary School, where she worked for a number of years before taking up a role as a senior teacher at Trinity Primary School, Edinburgh. She was later promoted to assistant and then depute headteacher.

Lorraine was appointed headteacher of Wardie Primary School in February 2004. She was popular with staff, parents and pupils and maintained the school’s excellent reputation throughout her nine years at the helm.

David’s sudden death in 2011, while on holiday overseas, robbed Lorraine of her best friend.

She retired in June 2013 and spent much of her time helping to bring up her young grandson, Jacob. She continued to pursue interests including fitness, travel and gardening.

Lorraine had a large network of friends – both within and outwith education – and she loved spending time in East Lothian with her family.

She died peacefully on August 31 at St Columba’s Hospice, Edinburgh, following a brave battle with cancer.

A funeral service was due to be held today (Thursday) at Chalmers Memorial Church. She is survived by her parents, three children, daughter-in-law, grandson, sister and wider family.