As a math teacher at Century Junior High School, Pat Cheyne never thought twice about taking on three or four subjects to teach. While it meant a heavier work load and challenges, she welcomed the challenge.

It was such an attitude that marked Cheyneís work ethic, said her principal, Ben Lewis. And it is such effort that will be greatly missed, Lewis said.

Cheyne, a math teacher and staff member in ISD 831 since 1975, died unexpectedly at her home in Forest Lake on Monday morning. She was 57.

ìFor me as a principal, she was a delight to work with,î Lewis said. If there were extra classes that needed a teacher, Cheyne would volunteer, he said.

During this semester, Cheyne was teaching algebra, geometry, integrated math and a supported math class for students struggling in the subject. The latter class is one she helped develop and write the curriculum for, Lewis said.

ìShe never stopped,î Lewis said of Cheyne.

Lewis said her passing will be a ìmajor lossî to Century and the school district.

As a professional, Lewis said Cheyneís teaching was marked by a concern to challenge students mentally and offer them a safe place to learn and grow.

ìWhat a great friend she was to everyone,î Lewis said. ìShe was so respected.î

Lewis said school carried on as always as word of her passing came on Monday, but the atmosphere was subdued and hearts were heavy. Counselors from Southwest Junior High were in the building to meet with students if needed, Lewis said.

Duty in FL

Pat Cheyne handled a wide array of duties in Forest Lake since arriving on the scene in 1975 to teach math.

She began her teaching career at Southwest Junior High School. She later taught at Forest Lake High School and most recently joined the staff at Century after completing a leave to work in the private sector.

Her work in ISD 831 went far beyond the classroom. She was the gifted services coordinator for the district when Lewis arrived in 1998. Budget cuts later claimed that program.

In addition to the high potential duty, Cheyne also worked as a mentor teacher helping young teachers in the district.

She was also an assistant debate coach, cheerleader coach and golf coach at the high school, junior high volleyball, basketball and track coach and a junior high class advisor. She also served for a time as chair of the secondary level math department.

Funeral details

A celebration of the life of Pat Cheyne will take place at 3:30 p.m., Friday, Dec. 15 at Crossroads Covenant Church, Columbus. Visitation is set from 4-8 p.m. today (Thursday) at Roberts Family Funeral Home, 555 SW Centennial Drive.

She is survived by her husband, Roger; two sons, Andrew and Dan, mother Isabel Hoefle; and one brother, David (Pat) Hoefle.

Memorials are requested in Patís name to the Community Scholarship Foundation, care of Student Services, Forest Lake High School, 6101 Scandia Trail N., Forest Lake, MN 55025.

For more information, go to: www.robertsfamilyfh.com.

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