Long-serving former Parade College staff member, Barb Elliott, who died yesterday (Tuesday) after a long illness, is being remembered as a trailblazer by those with whom she worked at both the old Flowerdale Campus and, more recently, Bundoora.

Year 10-12 Dean of Learning Paul Fahey extended heartfelt gratitude to Barb, who was part of the fold at the Preparatory College until its closure in 1988 and later Bundoora for a combined period of almost 30 years.

"Barb was an extremely dedicated teacher and leader of staff. She was really a pioneer as a female leader in a male dominated school, when she took over both as a Year level coordinator and subject area leader, and paved the way for the far better balance in leadership that we have today," Paul said.

"She was an extremely hard worker who led by example and put a great emphasis on justice and the student’s well-being. An incredibly intelligent person, she also had a really sharp sense of wit and humour as well as being an astute football tipper winning the first ever 'Waterford Brownlow' tipping competition.

"Many of us learnt so much from her and are indebted to her for her caring and nurturing manner as we developed our teaching skills at Parade."

Parade College Acting Principal Andy Kuppe, in a message to all staff members on Tuesday night, noted that Barb "joined the teaching staff on February 1, 1986 and her last day at Parade was September 26, 2014 (when she submitted the final proof of the 2014 edition of The Paradian for printing)".

"As one of her friends commented today: 'She was a great lady and a great educator. Many of us learnt so much from her',” Andy said.

"She will be much missed. Her family and friends are assured of our prayers."

Barb served as editor of The Paradian from 2004-2013. In the penultimate page of the 2014 edition, her successor Anthony Cicutto wrote:

"To Barbara Elliott. Thankyou very much for all your advice, support, help and encouragement throughout this year and for the many hours of proofreading - you have been an inspiration and an incredible mentor".

The Funeral Mass for Barbara Anne Elliott will be offered at St Francis of Assisi Catholic Church, 290 Childs Road, Mill Park, on Friday (September 13 2019), commencing 10.15am.