Tributes to 'fierce and sunny' young teacher after death following nine month cancer battle
"Her positivity, ready smile, and sunny demeanour moved with her wherever she went."
Tributes have been paid to a young teacher who has passed away after a nine month battle with cancer.
Chloe McDermott died on Sunday, September 14, after being diagnosed with stage four ovarian cancer just days before Christmas in December 2024.
The 31-year-old was a teacher at Hill Croft School in Newtownabbey, where she spent her final year of teaching practice in 2021, before remaining as a teacher across the school. The school have led tributes to Chloe, remembering her as a "bold and fierce young woman" known for her "positivity and sunny demeanour."
In a post on social media, the school said: "It is with deep sadness that we let our school community know of the passing of one of our teachers Chloe McDermott.
"Chloe came to Hill Croft for her final year teaching practice in 2021 and remained as a teacher across the school, working in Foundation Stage in recent years. She was a dedicated and innovative young teacher who gave her all to her pupils. Her meticulous preparation and attention to every detail brought fun, energy, and sparkle to all aspects of learning in her class.
"Chloe was a bold and fierce young woman, known and loved throughout the school. Her positivity, ready smile, and sunny demeanour moved with her wherever she went. She was always willing to help her colleagues and was a loyal friend to many. Her sense of humour and love for life will never be forgotten.
"Chloe fought a valiant battle against cancer over the last nine months. She remained positive in her outlook the whole way through and maintained her colourful sense of style, even on difficult days.
"Our school community is grieving her loss, and our thoughts and prayers go to her family, parents Stephen and Evelyn, brother Stephen, sister Carly and partner Peter.
"A book of condolence will be opened from 22 September- 10 October for anyone from our community to contribute to.
"The school’s charity of the year is Action Cancer. All funds raised this year will be donated in her honour. “Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude too!” - Chloe McDermott."
Paying tribute, one person said: "It is really bittersweet to read all the lovely comments on this tribute, it's so clear that so many parents and pupils just loved Chloe, and she made a huge difference in so many lives. I'm sure her family are so proud of her for this, and for her positivity during her final fight. I'm thinking about them all and praying for them at this incredibly difficult time."
Another person added: "Lovely girl who will be remembered for all her positivity and love. Thinking of all Chloe’s family and friends at this sad time. Rest in peace beautiful girl x"
Throughout her cancer battle, Chloe was dedicated to raising awareness of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer. In June, she took part in a charity 5K walk to raise vital funds for charity Target Ovarian Cancer.
For all the latest news, visit the Belfast Live homepage here and sign up to our daily newsletter here.