'We can't believe it': Beloved teacher's sudden death sends 'shock wave' Mon, 19 Apr 2021, 9:22AM Students celebrate Purple Day in memory of Julie Ann Hamilton, a Westmere School assistant principal who passed away on April 13 following complications in surgery. Photo / Supplied 'We can't believe it': Beloved teacher's sudden death sends 'shock wave' Mon, 19 Apr 2021, 9:22AM The family of a beloved Westmere School teacher who died suddenly last week are "incredibly grateful" for the overwhelming support shown for the colourful school leader Up to 600 people packed the Auckland school's hall on Saturday for 67-year-old Julie Ann Hamilton, who lived her life by the colour purple, barely wore shoes and was known to her pupils as JA or Jewellery Ann.