My fondest memories of High School are my Science classes with Mrs. Mackinlay. She instilled in me not just a love of Science, but a love of learning. She was passionate and feisty and so excited to see us learning and achieving. But science and learning were not her whole life and she was so down to earth and always showed interest in me as a person. I recall that in 1975 (?) your family was in Scotland, and while I loved reading about your time there in her letters, she left a gaping hole in my school year and I was thrilled when she returned! Over the years since leaving university I have thought about her often and will continue to do so with much fondness. I hope your cherished memories of your wife and mother give you much comfort too. Sincerely, Kerrie

With our daughter doing her HSC Chemistry exam next week, I have been frequently quizzed on chemical equations and carbon chemistry in recent months and so my very fond memories of high school days in the chemistry labs (1979/80) have been at the forefront of my mind. Jane was a very special teacher with a love for her subject, a love for her students and a passion to help all her students achieve their best. They were fun days and fun times as well as a wonderful two years of intensive learning all thanks to Jane’s dedication, knowledge and fun personality. It was so sad to hear the news of her passing. Tony and family, my thoughts are with you at this time.

On those occasions when I think back on high school, my memory seats me on a stool at a bench in one of OLD's science labs with Mrs Mackinlay at the front of the class. It is a very happy memory and never ceases to put a smile on my face. In fact when I think of Jane now I only see a smile on her face - surely as a bunch of teenagers we annoyed her at some stage, but I have no memory of that. Jane instilled in me a passion for science and a desire for knowledge and understanding. She inspired me onto further studies that have taken me on a fascinating career path. I will always be grateful for her inspiration and support and will never forget how lucky I was to be one of her students. Tony and family, my sincere condolences. My thoughts are with you at this difficult time.

I too was in Mrs. MacKinlay's multistrand classes in 1979 and 1980. I echo what Peter and Paul said. She was an outstanding teacher and made a real difference to me and to my future. I am very glad to be part of this tribute to her. I offer my sincere condolences to all her family and friends. May all the good memories of your time together with her give you comfort, as they do me. Sincerely, James

Mrs Mackinlay taught me chemistry in 1979. I would love to go to her lessons as she was always understanding and enthusiastic.She was a special Teacher and Lady and no doubt will be sadly misssed by her Family and always admired by her students.

Hi, I still regularly recall "Mrs Mackinlay" from all the teachers I've had all over Australia. It was and no doubt still is rare to find someone whose passion can really make a difference. She certainly did for me and I believe the majority of those who schooled with her. I recall the excellent balance she maintained with learning and the "sense of fun and adventure" needed to do so. Some things were definitely off limits but some good clean experimental fun seemed to just fit right in. A lasting impression on people would be one of the finest things we could all take to our graves and in this I 'd say she was extraordinarily successful. Best wishes.

Tony and Family, very sad to hear of your loss. After 12 years of school and 6 years of university there are only two educators I have had that made a lasting impression, funnily enough both from Our Lady of Dolours. Jane Mackinlay and Sister Eugene. Coming from across the road at St Pius we only had the pleasure of Jane’s teaching for two years but it certainly had an impact. I can honestly say there was never a teacher who came close to her in terms of her ability to teach, inspire and entertain. She was a compassionate woman with a fantastic sense of humour. I know without the education I received in her class I wouldn’t have made it through first year university. Regards to you all during this time of sadness Paul

Naomi, Tony and Family. Your mother inspired us with her love of science and learning - coupled with the knowledge that if we did it "her" way we were sure to succeed ! We remember with great respect and affection her contribution to our youth, education and professional lives. Regards to you all at this sad time Amanda, Kate and Rebecca Dennis

So missing being with all of you at this time...we are so sorry to lose such a special aunt...we think of her every time we make her Cornflake Cookies & we always will! And we are reminded of her talents in the garden every time we see a beautful spot...Take care of each other & know we are all thinking of you...love, Katie, Brad, Libbie, Bekah & Annie xoxoxo