Mrs Webb, a former head of English who taught at the South Dunedin school for more than 40 years, was farewelled by pupils, teachers, family and friends after losing a three-year battle with breast cancer last week.
Queen’s was a second home for the Webbs: husband Richard taught at the school and their daughters, Katie and Hannah, went to Queen’s.
It was standing room only in the school hall, reflecting the enormous outpouring of emotion after Mrs Webb’s death.
The online tributes after her death matched the tributes Mrs Webb received when she retired from Queen’s — daughter Katie Pearson recalled setting up a Facebook page to mark the occasion and how it received more than 1000 likes in 48 hours.
Present Queen’s principal Barbara Agnew said Mrs Webb had a charismatic laugh, an infectious smile and a song for every occasion.
"Jenny was a shining light every day in this school, and her aroha for every student who passed through these doors was clearly evident.
"She only wanted the very best for each and every one of them."
Former principals also praised Mrs Webb. Dame Pat Harrison, principal from 1975-94, said if she was having a bad day, a visit to Mrs Webb’s classroom would never fail to put a smile on her face.
"One day Mrs Webb came out of the classroom running, in bare feet," Dame Pat recalled.
"Mrs Webb, I said, you are running in the corridor and in bare feet ... she went on running, lifted up her arms, waved back and said, ‘It’s a lovely day Mrs H’."
Julie Anderson, who was principal from 2006-14, said she had been overwhelmed by the voices of so many students whose lives had been changed by Mrs Webb.
"She will forever be a part of the folklore of this school ... she entranced every junior class with A Midsummer Night’s Dream, which she loved, or inspired students to love Hone Tuwhare or write like Cilla McQueen."
Saturday’s memorial was full of fond stories and also poetry — a voracious reader and lover of literature, Mrs Webb had planned much of the content of her own farewell including a selection of poems by Otago writer Brian Turner.
Mrs Webb’s husband Richard, wearing the pounamu his wife was given as a parting gift when she left Queen’s, said his wife’s farewell in their new home in Auckland followed her instructions that it be accompanied by jazz and champagne.
"I thought, no, the school might have something to say about that . . . so imagine yourself with a glass of wine in your hand today."
Mr Webb spoke of 47 fulfilling years together, and about his wife’s passionate dedication to people.
