SHE was as much a staple of Holbrook school life as the school bell, a big-hearted lollypop lady who was loved by staff and students alike.
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So when Pat McKinnon died suddenly from an asthma attack on November 14, the school was plunged into mourning.
In an inspiring show of unity, students formed a guard of honour at Mrs McKinnon’s funeral last Tuesday at Our Lady of Sorrows church.
Mrs McKinnon was just 56 when she died.
She is being remembered as a woman of rare honesty and humanity, who would dress up as Santa and give away gifts to kids at Christmas time and dole out chocolates to them at Easter.
She was an institution in Holbrook, standing astride Albury Road before and after the school bell to guide children to safety.
But her emotional guidance had just as much impact on the children as her physical guidance, according to close friend Angellica Webb.
“She was the sort of person who would help anyone out,” Mrs Webb said.
“She was like a counsellor to a lot of these children.
“Some would get there early just so they could chat to her.
“They would tell her things they wouldn’t tell their own parents, she was that trusted.
“If the kids were playing up too much, she would tell the parents but the kids still knew they could trust her.”
Mrs McKinnon took the job as lollypop lady 22 years ago, after a stint in the role part time.
Mrs Webb said she provided great comfort to parents who sent their kids off to school.
“Just having her there was a great security,” she said.
“If you were in Albury or something and running late to pick your child up, she would always wait with them.
“She just loved kids and that’s the only reason she kept doing it.”
Mrs Webb said her friend was also “extremely honest”.
“She was one of those people who would always tell you straight down the line what she thought,” Mrs Webb said.
She arrived in Holbrook from Wagga as a young woman, after a chance meeting of hubby-to-be Johnny Webb at the local pub.
Holbrook Public School principal Jason Weaven offered a fitting tribute to Mrs McKinnon in a recent school newsletter.
”Pat was much-loved and adored by all students, past and present, and she cared for all students as if they were her own,” Mr Weaven wrote.
”Our sincerest condolences go out to all of Pat’s family.”
He also offered access to counselling services for any students struggling with the loss of the beloved staff member.
Mrs McKinnon is survived by her husband Johnny and four daughters.
