“Lilian Millar was an inspiration and example to us all,” said Rev Dave Whiteman at Masonhill Crematorium last week, “and the large turnout today shows how highly she was regarded by so many people.”

Speaking at her funeral service he went on to say that the former Maybole teacher was “one of the nicest people you could hope to meet, such a kind person, happy, easy-going, friendly, easy to talk to - her eyes lit up a room - and she was so caring, so generous.”

Lilian Goodfellow, 59, was born in Glasgow and tragedy struck at an early age. Her father died when she was only five years old and Lilian moved to Kilbirnie to stay with her mother’s family.

After marrying Jim, Lilian moved to Maybole and taught at Carrick Academy Primary, moving to Gardenrose Primary when it opened.

She stopped work when Gayle and Stuart came along before going back to work on the supply list. She taught at Cairn Primary and was appointed head teacher at Red Brae School.

Lilian was proud of the fact that some of the young people managed to turn their lives around and some of them kept in touch with her.

She stopped work in 2000 when she found out she had cancer.

“Lil was so very brave and so very courageous,” added Rev Whiteman, “and she was always willing to try out any kind of experimental treatment - I'm fine was her watch word. She bore her illness with such grace and dignity and humour.”

Her interests included her garden, badminton, walking especially round Culzean., holidays in Italy, France, Portugal and her trip on the QE2.

“She was very proud of that, said Rev Whiteman, “and the trip to Jamaica for their silver wedding.”

Lilian was a member of the West Parish Church and a member of Girvan Art Club, enjoyed photography and was Cliff Richard’s number one fan.

“Lil enjoyed socialising,” continued Rev Whiteman, "especially the Saturday lunch at Carrick Sports Club and who can forget the Saturday night get together.”

He went on, “Lil told me that she was very lucky to have some good friends in the Tuesday girls; how they enjoyed their trips to Wildings. They were great friends, amazing friends really, and I know they have been a great support to Jim and the family.

“Lil’s love, of course, was her family - she loved her family - she just doted on the weans.

“I know Jim and the family are so grateful to both Station 15 and the Beatson for the care they gave Lil, way above and beyond the call of duty.

“The Tuesday before Lil passed away, she had a wonderful night with the girls, with wine and cheesecake; they were even asked by the staff to keep the noise down, they were so rowdy - a lovely memory to have.

“Then on Wednesday the staff arranged a candle lit meal for Jim and Lil in the family room, again a happy memory to have of Lil’s last days. I know they meant a great deal to Lil.”

He concluded, “Lil was a brilliant wife, mother and friend. I know that she will be sadly missed by Jim, Gayle and Paul, Stuart and Helen, grandchildren Euan and Anna, as well as all of us.”

Lilian was an active member of the Maybole branch of Cancer Research UK and a collection taken after her funeral raised £1,135 which went to the branch.