LONG-serving Southbourne librarian Connie Rothman devoted her life to learning and passing on her knowledge to others.

Constance Jane Gratz Rothman was born in Philadelphia, America, in September 1949, the eldest of four children. She grew up around the eastern seaboard and from a young age demonstrated an insatiable thirst for knowledge.

After school she went on to university and studied US history, before gaining a Master's degree in teaching.

Over the next few years she worked at a school for children with special educational needs in Maine, and volunteered at the Pequot Library in Southport, Connecticut.

It was also while living in the States that she met her husband Edward. They were married in May 1976, at her parents' home in New Jersey, and went on to have two children, Katherine and Caroline, who were born in 1984 and 1987 respectively.

However, around 15 years ago Edward's work brought the family to the UK and Bournemouth. Mrs Rothman believed the move would be an adventure and managed to convince her somewhat reluctant teenage daughters to see it the same way.

On arriving in Southbourne, Mrs Rothman lost no time before getting involved with her new community.

She worked at Southbourne Library for 13 years and organised reading programmes for youngsters, eventually being appointed as a manager. She was instrumental in getting the zebra crossing installed outside.

Between library shifts and even during her lunch break she tutored students in English and maths, using Montessori methods, and helped special needs children to learn.

With her husband, she ran Power Learners in Southbourne, teaching coding and computer programming to people of all ages.

She served on Southbourne Business Association, and on the board of governors at Pokesdown Community Primary School, where she sought to inspire pupils with a love of reading.

Mrs Rothman was passionate about lifelong learning and throughout her energetic life she sought to learn more and share what she had discovered with others. She was always optimistic and generous with her time.

For 12 years she took part in the Cancer Research UK Race for Life charity run, and she was due to take part this year as well. She put a big team together which has raised £2,920 online.

She particularly enjoyed crossword puzzles, and liked to work her way through a New York Times puzzle every day.

Mrs Rothman died peacefully at the Macmillan Unit at Christchurch Hospital on June 8, aged 65.

She was diagnosed with breast cancer five years ago but underwent treatment, and only really grew ill during her final year. She remained positive throughout her illness.

She leaves her husband Edward, her children and recent granddaughter Aurelia. A Humanist funeral ceremony was held at Bournemouth East Crematorium on June 19.