Dr Elma Lutton: Sadness at passing of 'longest serving former Principal of Cambridge House Grammar School' in Ballymena

A death notice in Funeral Times says ‘LUTTON, (née Moore) Dr. Dorothy Elma B.Ed., MSC., PQH(NI), passed away 12th August 2025, peacefully at hospital’.

It adds that she was the ‘much loved wife of Jim, loving mother of Christina and Rebecca, mother-in-law of Simon and Christopher, doting grandmother of Emilia, Sebastian, Phoebe and Matilda and dear sister of Ian Moore’.

If further adds that ‘A Service of Celebration for the life of Elma will be held on Monday 18th August at 11.00am in Gracehill Moravian Church’ followed by a private cremation.

‘Elma will be sadly missed and lovingly remembered by her entire family circle. ‘God has you in His keeping, we have you in our hearts’, it adds.

A tribute on Cambridge House Grammar School says: ‘It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr Elma Lutton, the longest serving former Principal of Cambridge House Grammar School, who left an indelible mark on our community.

‘Elma dedicated over four decades to our school and her legacy is etched in the hearts and minds of every pupil, teacher and parent/guardian who had the privilege of knowing her.

‘Under her stewardship the school flourished academically and became a nurturing, inclusive and inspiring environment, demonstrating her passion, purpose and unwavering belief in the potential of every child and member of staff.

‘She championed the holistic development of pupils and was never too busy to offer a kind word, a wise piece of advice or a helping hand.

‘Her leadership weathered challenges, embraced change and always stayed rooted in the core beliefs that define our school.

‘She believed in tradition, but also in progress and integrity.

‘Whilst holding high standards, she led with compassion and never lost sight of what mattered most – the children.

‘As we, her school family, reflect on the years of dedicated service, we do so with immense pride and affection.

‘Her influence will be felt for generations, not just in the achievements of our school, but in the countless lives she touched and inspired.

‘Her spirit remains deeply woven into the fabric of our school community.

‘Elma, thank you for your vision, your courage, your wisdom and above all your unwavering devotion; we will always be better for having walked the journey with you.

‘Today, we extend our heartfelt sympathy and love to Elma’s family, her husband Jim, daughters Christina and Rebecca, her sons-in-law, grandchildren, brother and wider family circle’.

Underneath the tribute former students wrote: ‘Very sad news. Elma Lutton made such a big impact on the lives of so many Cambridge House pupils over the years.

‘Her innovation and creativity were infectious and she always made time for the curious and the dreamers!

‘A strong woman, a role model - but carried with such natural, understated grace. When i think of her, these words from Wordsworth (and our discussions of that poem) always come to mind:

'One moment now may give us more

Than years of toiling reason:

Our minds shall drink at every pore

The spirit of the season'

‘With deepest sympathy to all of Elma's family circle.

‘From a very grateful (long!) past pupil’

Another tribute read: ‘So sad to read about Mrs. Lutton, she was my form teacher, and also taught me Drama and English Literature, an absolutely fabulous teacher with a wonderful personality to match.

‘She was a truly dedicated teacher and plays a big part in my memories from Cambridge House when it was still an all girls school.

‘Sincere condolences to all Mrs. Lutton's family, friends and colleagues, thinking and praying for you all xx’.

And another said: ‘Such sad news. Mrs Lutton was a brilliant teacher, she always had time, patience and a wicked sense of humour.

‘I recently looked out my old A-Level English books for my niece but couldn't part with 'A Streetcar Named Desire' and all my squiggled notes while Mrs Lutton lent into every word’.