Teacher dies after collapsing while driving
The school extends condolences to her son, Jean-Paul, her family and everybody who knew her. “We would particularly like to thank members of the local community for their support and assistance during this time.”
A NEW Forest High School teacher, Maria Sulon collapsed while driving and crashed into a street pole in Kenyon Howden Road at about 4pm. She died at scene of the accident.
“Rescue Care received multiple calls about a motorist who had collided with a pole. On arrival they found her unresponsive and in a critical condition. Her condition deteriorated and she went into cardiac arrest,” said operations director, Garrith Jamieson. Advanced life support paramedics worked for over an hour to try and resuscitate her without success.
Ms Sulon dedicated her life to education and New Forest High School paid tribute to a committed educator who will be missed. As a young, newly qualified teacher, she started her teaching career in 1980 at Glenwood High School. In 1985 she moved to Durban High School, and in 1988 she switched to George Campbell High School. Ms Sulon became part of the New Forest High School family in 1990, and for the last 24 years was the one consistent member of the school’s Afrikaans department. However, in the past she also taught English and social sciences.
Ms Sulon loved being involved in catering for various school events. She added her own flair, often worried about presentation, especially when the school hosted other principals, and also insisted on hosting etiquette by the catering girls.
“Looking after and caring was certainly one of her purposes, and as such she was committed and involved in charity outreach programmes,” reads a statement from the school.
“For years she was the driving force behind the fundraising efforts such as our local old age home, Thornhill House. She encouraged students of New Forest High School to provide support for the elderly and lonely. Her concern always went out to those staff and pupils going through difficult times.”
Ms Sulon was particularly fond of her current registration class, grade 11SU, and expected them to live up to her standards.
The school extends condolences to her son, Jean-Paul, her family and everybody who knew her.
“We would particularly like to thank members of the local community for their support and assistance during this time.”
Such terrible news. I met you as a student when you first came to new forest. I have never forgotten the way you helped me , defended me against other teachers and showed everyday that you cared. You taught me to praat die taal enough to get an Afrikaans gal to marry me so for that I’m also thankfull . Condolences to the family I’m sure you will miss her terribly. She has been and will Continue to be remembered by her past students. Les Cox class of 94.
Mrs Sulon took a keen interest in her students not just whilst at New Forest High School but also once they had left. She was such a lovely, kind lady that will be missed by her family and remembered by all her students.
As former New Forest Student who had Mrs. Sulon for all five years of my schooling career, I can say that you will be missed by many. She was always there for me when I needed someone to talk to and when I was going through a bad time in my life. Condolences to Jean-Paul and the rest of her family. Rest in peace… Class of 2009