Chennai: Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Jayalalithaa on Thursday expressed grief over the death of her schoolteacher
“I was shocked and grieved to learn of the passing away of Catherine Simon, my teacher in Presentation Convent, Church Park, Chennai,” she said in a condolence message.
Simon taught the chief minister at Presentation Convent, Church Park, Chennai, from 1958 to 1964. She died of a cardiac arrest on June afternoon. She was 89.
The schoolteacher is survived by her son Robert Simon and daughter Angeline James. Simon had been staying with her daughter at Ram Nagar in Velachery, a Chennai suburb.
Stating that Simon dedicated her life to teaching, Jayalalithaa said, “I had the good fortune of being her student.”
The 68-year-old actor-turned politician hailed Simon as a great influence on her life and an inspiration to girl students, report agencies.
“She was a great influence on my life and we shared a very special relationship as a teacher and student.”
She said her teacher had qualities of compassion and firmness and honed hundreds of young people to grow up as responsible citizens.
“May her soul rest in peace,” she said.
She also deputed State School Education Minister P Benjamin to place a wreath on Simon’s body on her behalf.