Yellowknife (Sep 01/06) - Staff and students of Ecole St. Joseph school barely had time to settle in this week for a new school year, when the sad news came that long-time teacher Carmen Gobeil wouldn't be coming back with them.

Carmen Gobeil taught at Ecole St. Joseph for 12 years. She died last Aug. 24, five days before classes were to resume.- photo courtesy of Ecole St. Joseph

Gobeil died suddenly at home Aug. 24, five days before the school year resumed on Tuesday. She had taught at the school since moving to Yellowknife from Ontario in 1994.

Gobeil was 59. She was born in St. Paul, Alberta, the fourth child among six boys and five girls. She received her Bachelor of Education degree from the University of Alberta's College St. Jean - a facility that offers university studies in French.

The veteran Yellowknife Catholic Schools educator is survived by her two adult children, Philipe Gobeil and Renee-Anne Gobeil, and her companion, city councillor Dave McCann.

St. Joe's principal Flo Campbell described Gobeil as "multi-talented. She could work any place."

Gobeil started out at the school as a French-immersion teacher, and later helped start up the school's enrichment program for supplementary education.

"She was a nurturer of the students, just like she was of the gifts of the Earth," said Campbell.

Her son Philipe said her two great loves in life were teaching and gardening.

"She loved making things grow and blossom," said Philipe.

"Whether it was kids or if it was plants, it didn't matter. She wanted to see the best come out of everything."

In a biography about her mom, Renee-Anne wrote that her students often saw her as a mother figure. She was Madame Gobeil - someone students could trust to confide in.

"She was unafraid to develop deep and personal relationships with her children and many parents have approached her over the years to thank her personally for the powerful positive effect she has had in their children's lives," wrote Renee-Anne.

More than 300 people attended a memorial service and reception held for Gobeil on Wednesday at the St. Patrick/Weledeh school gymnasium.