A well-known educator passed away one month before her 100th birthday. Edna Mae Scott, of Queens Lane, Smith's died yesterday. She was remembered by many as one of the best teachers Bermuda ever had.

For 18 years Mrs. Scott worked at The Central School, which was renamed the Victor Scott school in 1977 in memory of her husband who was principal of the school for nearly 30 years. Premier, Ewart Brown, said: "To generations of Bermudians, Edna-Mae Scott was an icon of the education profession."

"My own life has been shaped by her caring and intuitive means of instruction

"As I remarked at the Progressive Labour Party's Gala two weeks ago, she harnessed my energy and made learning meaningful for me.

"The passing of Edna-Mae Scott marks the end of an era in this country. Bermuda joins in condolences to her children, grandchildren, surviving family and friends. She gave so much to us as a people and through her deeds we have been enriched."

Education Minister Randy Horton said he considered Mrs. Scott the "lady of ladies".

He said: "I think that Mrs Scott set a standard, a very high standard for everyone in the teaching profession. They say teaching is a noble profession and she certainly fit right into that mould.

"She was a role model for me as a teacher. I never worked with her but she influenced me because she never failed to tell me what she thought I should be doing when I was a principal and I appreciated that"

One of her former students, Julian Hall, said he was saddened to hear of her passing because she had a great impact on his life.

At the age of ten Mr. Hall won a competition to deliver a public speech at Victor Scott's retirement and he said Mrs. Scott was the one that chose him.

He said: "She spurred me on the public speaking at an early age she was also instrumental in helping me get into Berkley. Mrs. Scott and her husband devoted many years of toil to educating young black Bermudians.

"I have long regarded them as two of the greatest assets Bermuda had in the 21st century. They were signal handily responsible for the education of many Bermudians who have excelled in their field.

"They do not make teachers like her anymore and much the pity for that."

Former Premier Dr. David Saul worked with Mrs. Scott when he was Minister of Education and said she was invaluable.

"She was a real force in the education department and extremely helpful to me personally.

"I am sure that the thousands of students she taught will miss her. Her fingerprints are on tens of thousands of Bermudians students."

Mrs. Scott was awarded an MBE in 1974 for her services to education.