School’s minute of silence in tribute to caterer Tracey

Tracey Switzer, 38, of Littlebury Gardens, Colchester, died at home last Monday after a three-year battle with pancreatic cancer.

She was well-known among the school community of Colchester’s Old Heath Community Primary School, where her husband worked as caretaker.

The silence will be held on Thursday, the day of her funeral, and a collection will also be held for St Helena Hospice, which supported her and her family.

Mrs Switzer had worked at the school for about ten years, and for the past four alongside husband Darren.

The couple, who would have celebrated 20 years of marriage this September, met while students at the old Wilson Marriage School in Colchester.

Mr Switzer said his wife would “just light a room up”.

He added: “She never saw bad in anyone and she was really bubbly and always wore bright clothes and was always smiling.”

He said her passion was her children, Holly, 20, and Luke, 17, who attended Old Heath Community Primary School, as well as shopping with her friends.

While the family have received support from the hospice, which Mr Switzer wanted to thank, he said his wife was mainly cared for at home.

Jeremy Hallum, headteacher at Old Heath Community Primary School, said: “She used to brighten up the school day with her smile and she was a hugely important part of the school for many years, as is the whole family.

“She will be greatly missed by all the school community and the vast majority of the school staff will be attending the funeral on Thursday and in their own way saying a special goodbye to her.

“It’s a very sad and challenging time at the school.”

Tracey’s funeral is taking place at St Barnabas Church in, Old Heath, Colchester, at 1pm, followed by a private family committal at Colchester Crematorium.

Only family will be providing flowers.

Anyone who wants to make a donation can do so to St Helena Hospice c/o Hunnaball of Colchester, York House, 41 Mersea Road, Colchester, CO2 7QT.