Sunday 19th Jul 2026
St Stephen’s CE Primary School in Bury held a week of activities to honour the life and legacy of Laura Smith.
Laura, known as 'Loz', spent 25 years teaching at the Colville Drive school and died in November following a short illness.
The tribute, known as 'Super Mrs Smith Week,' included nature crafts in the school’s gardens, inflatable races for staff, a family macarena dance, singing sessions, football skills with Bury FC, and a colour run.
Sally Denney, headteacher, said: "Everyone loved Laura, our wonderful Mrs Smith. She lived and breathed our school and was absolutely devoted to everyone here and her family and friends. There are no words to describe her enthusiasm, humour, kindness and friendship. She reflected all of our school values. This week is our way of remembering her and the legacy she leaves behind to everyone who knew her. Her amazing values live on in us all."
Staff also recreated a TikTok dance to The Weeknd’s 'Blinding Lights,' first filmed with Mrs Smith during the 2020 lockdown.
The week concluded with a colour run around the school field, where more than 400 guests joined, and 300 runners took part. Many were former pupils and families.
Speaking on behalf of Laura’s two daughters Ella and Millie, mother Barbara, brother Mark and sister Joanne, Laura’s husband Jason said: “As a family, we were overwhelmed by the love shown during ‘Super Mrs Smith Week’.
"Laura devoted 25 years to St Stephen’s and the school was such a huge part of her life.
"To see hundreds of children, staff, friends and families celebrating her kindness, humour and spirit was incredibly moving.
“Saturday’s colour run was emotional but wonderful, a perfect reflection of the joy she brought to everyone.
"We’d like to say a huge thanks to the staff, both past and present and all the volunteers that made it such a special day.
"Laura would have been smiling at every moment.”
Local businesses including Rakem Group, Freak Dance, GLI Contracting, and Harrison Estates sponsored the week, helping to keep activities free for all.
The school plans to install friendship seating and outdoor equipment in Mrs Smith’s favourite parts of the grounds in her memory.
