Vivien Hodgins' teaching career at Mt Clear Secondary College spanned 33 years but whether she taught students in 1976 or 2009, their defining description of her was the same: lovely.

"I wasn't her favourite but she was definitely mine," said Peter Clarke, an Aboriginal artist whom Ms Hodgins taught in 1982.

"I grew up in the orphanage, so I was a bit of a knucklehead but Vivien Hodgins made me feel like a student rather than an outsider."

Suzi Olsen, who attended the school between 1991 and 1996 and had Ms Hodgins as a media teacher, said she extended friendship to everyone.

"She would treat everyone like they were friends with her," Ms Olsen said. "She was well respected by many and is gong to be sadly missed."

Among the many tributes posted on The Courier website yesterday, Linda described Ms Hodgins as "a wonderful lady and beautiful soul".

Mr Clarke attributed her influence to putting him on the right path.

"Vivien was a lovely lady, she allowed that bridge to be crossed without any discrimination, and education unfolded before me," he said.

"I was suspended a couple of times, but every time she would tell you off, she would be smiling. She was always smiling."

Mr Clarke, like many other former students, had not seen Ms Hodgins in many years but was rocked by the news of her death on Wednesday.

"I owe a great deal to Ms Hodgins. I'd like to send my deepest condolences to her family, but also thank them for allowing her to be shared with us," he said.

"It will be a huge funeral."

Funeral arrangements for Ms Hodgins have not been finalised and a Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade spokeswoman said she could not comment on when her body would return to Australia.