Published: Thursday, 8th July, 2010 11:20am

Popular mum dies suddenly

A DISTRAUGHT schoolboy has been left devastated after his mum died suddenly in their home last week.

Brave Ryan Moran, 16, a pupil at St Luke's High School, tried to save his mother by resuscitating her when she did not wake up last Wednesday morning (June 30).

The night before the tragic events Liz Moran, a technical studies teacher at Greenock Academy, had been at a retiral function and had her own reason to celebrate after being offered a full-time position at a new school, Inverclyde Academy.

Relatives are still in the dark over what happened to Liz but they will find out how their unexpected loss happened at today's post mortem examination.

Liz, 45, of Rufflees Avenue, Barrhead, was popular with everyne she met in life and was involved in lots of different groups within the town.

Yesterday, a relative told of their shock at Liz's passing and paid tribute to her.

The family member said: "I don't know what to say.

"Her son Ryan was her main priority and he is devastated, it was always the two of them together.

"We would like to thank Barbara O'Donnell and the neighbours of Rufflees Avenue who have been overwhelming with their support of Ryan and the family.

"Ryan's friend Daniel Waters has been a rock to him and has been by Ryan's side since it happened."

She added: "Liz was involved in a lot of things in Barrhead and she always kept in contact with everybody she met.

"She will be missed by everyone who knew her."

Neighbour Mary Brady still cannot believe that she has lost her close friend who she met when they were pupils together at St Luke's.

But she will cherish the fond memories she has of the caring mum who was devoted to her son.

She said: "I am still in shock.

"She was a great friend and a hard working single parent dedicated to her job.

"She spent her life correcting homework and offered tuition outside school hours.

"When she wasn't working she was doing her DIY, anyone in Barrhead who knows her will know she was like Bob the Builder.

"With her being a technical studies teacher she knew what she was doing.

"She did a lot of things for the community and used to work in the old Barrhead woman's centre."

Mary added: "She was very well liked and I expect there will be a big turnout for the funeral.

"People have been phoning from places like Australia and Portugal wanting to know the arrangements.

"I am going to miss her not just as a friend but as a neighbour too.

"All our sympathies are with Ryan and the family."

One former Greenock Academy pupil was taught by Liz during her first year at the school.

The 22-year-old said: "I was completely shocked when I heard.

"She was a fantastic teacher and was so young as well. I just can't believe it to be honest."

Another pupil, 23, who remembers being taught technical studies by Liz during her time at the school, said: "It's a total shame. It's weird how you just expect everyone to live forever and it was a shock to hear about this."

One 15-year-old youngster who is currently at the academy told of her sadness at Mrs Moran's death.

She said: "I study down in that department and used to see her all the time. She was so friendly and helpful and you could see she really liked her job. It's really sad."

A post mortem will be carried out today and Liz's family expect the funeral to go ahead at the weekend as planned.

Liz will be received in St John's Church at 6.30pm on Friday and the funeral mass will be at 10am the following day.

Thereafter, the proceedings will conclude at Neilston Cemetery.