Tributes have been paid to former headmistress Dorothy Thompson, who has died at the age of 83.

Dr. Thompson, a Bermudian, was headmistress of Prospect Secondary School for Girls for many years.

The school was founded in 1958 and closed in the 1970s. Dr. Thompson later moved to Canada to continue her career in education.

She passed away at St. Martha's Regional Hospital in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, on May 30.

Yesterday, Patricia Hall, a former head girl at the school, led the tributes to Dr. Thompson.

She said: "She was a loving person and she created a family atmosphere at the school, with the students as well as the teachers. She commanded respect, and in turn, got respect. She was firm in exercising discipline but it was with love.

"She had a humble spirit about her, but she was a no-nonsense woman with a take-charge attitude. She instilled in her staff that they should lead by example.

"I do thank God for the impact that she's left on my life I'm a better person because of her leadership and her attitude."

Mrs. Hall, from Smith's, graduated in 1961. She's in the early stages of writing a book about the school and its students. Although it was for black girls only, owing to segregation, the school was one of the first in Bermuda to have a non-segregated staff, thanks to Dr. Thompson.

Former students have gone on to successful careers in the public and private sectors. It has also produced a number of politicians, including Senate leader Carol Ann Bassett.

Others who came through the school during Dr. Thompson's era are Assistant Cabinet Secretary Judith Hall-Bean and former United Bermuda Party chairwoman Gwyneth Rawlins.

Another former pupil, Maureen Lewis, who graduated in 1972, said of Dr. Thompson: "She took an interest in me and always went out of her way to make sure that I stayed interested in school. Whenever I had a problem I knew I could just go the office and talk to her.

"I used to act up lot and get in trouble at school and she always took the time to find out what was going on with me and if she could help. When I got kicked out of math class she used to bring me into Hamilton with her to do the errands for the school.

"I have so many memories of her and how kind and sincere she was with all the girls."

Many former students remained in touch with Dr. Thompson when she moved to Canada. She completed her PhD in education at the University of Toronto, then moved to Antigonish in the late 1980s, where she taught in the Adult Education Department at St. Francis Xavier University.

She supported many charitable organisations and was a strong advocate for social justice, education, and women's issues.

A funeral for Dr. Thompson, who was predeceased by two sisters, Louise and Edith, will be held on Saturday at St. Ninian's Cathedral in Antigonish. She will be buried in Bermuda at a later date.