Tributes paid to Halifax maths teacher and 'best wife' who died suddenly aged 31

Beth Claire Smith, nee Harvey, from the Savile Park area, was a primary specialist at tuition and teacher training agency White Rose Maths, and delivered many courses.

She was also a keen thespian who ran Halifax Amateur Theatre's youth section and was a member of Halifax Amateur Operatic Society, alongside her husband.

Beth collapsed and died suddenly on November 10.

Her sister Jeni Harvey, a lecturer at the University of Sheffield, said: “We are so proud of her. Yes, she was my little sister but she was out there inspiring people’s lives.

“She was only 31 but she has changed so many people’s lives.”

The former Crossley Heath School pupil leaves parents John and Margaret, brother Paul and sister Jeni as well as husband Ian Smith.

She worked at several Halifax primary schools before joining White Rose Maths, part of Trinity Academy.

She helped design new ways of teaching maths and travelled the UK and the world, even training teachers in Beijing.

Thousands of youngsters will have completed Beth’s lessons as part of their home-schooling during lockdown, when she taught online courses.

Jeni added: “What’s really touched us all is how many children, now teenagers, have said Beth inspired them and brought out their passion for performing and really helped build their confidence.

“If any good can come out of this it will be how Beth has inspired other people to live their lives, be confident and achieve their dreams.

“She had a real zest for life. She was one of those people who would be leading the singing in a bar, up on stage, singing to Queen, Steps or S Club 7.

“When the curtain went back at the Victoria Theatre and my sister was there centre stage (in the musical Hairspray in 2014, when she took the lead role) I was so overwhelmed I nearly cried.

“We are just so proud of her. Beth achieved so much more in her short life than most people do in a lifetime.

“As a family we have been enormously touched by messages from more than 500 colleagues and members of the acting community from literally all over the world. That’s really brought us great comfort.

“Beth’s legacy is to say ‘live your life to the full with a big smile on your face’ because that’s what she did.”

Her husband Ian Smith added:

"She was my absolute rock and soulmate. Life was just 'cracking' with her in it. Beth was not only the best wife, but she was the most caring daughter, adored sister, a beloved aunt, special friend and inspiration to many others."