The family of Epsom College headteacher Emma Pattison have said she and her daughter Lettie were “inseparable” – as they paid tribute to them.
Police believe they were shot dead by her husband, who was also found deceased at a property within the independent school’s grounds on 5 February.
His legally-owned shotgun was found nearby.
In a statement issued through Surrey Police, the family said Mrs Pattison, 45, was “everything one could hope for in a daughter, sister, mother, wife, friend, teacher and so much more”.
They added: “Emma had a warm, welcoming smile and sparkling, blue eyes, full of optimism. Over the last eleven days we’ve noticed the sky has been bright blue, with at times a warm glow of pink…”
Lettie, seven, was “Emma’s pride and joy”, they said.
They described the little girl as “adorable” and “vibrant” with a “compelling curiosity, a heart-melting smile and an intellect beyond her years”.
The family continued: “The two of them (mum and daughter) were inseparable and we take comfort in that they will remain so.
“We are an extremely close family and family was at the centre of Emma and Lettie’s universe.
“The Epsom College community had become part of that universe for them both.”
Emma Pattison, 45, husband George, 39, and seven-year-old Lettie
Emma Pattison was found dead at her home on the grounds of Epsom College
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The family have also expressed their “heartfelt thanks for the overwhelming support we have received over the past 11 days”.
They added: “Thank you to the immeasurable number of people and institutions who have written messages, sent flowers, paid tributes, held vigils or otherwise taken time to remember Emma and Lettie.
“We would like to thank Surrey Police for their sensitive and thorough handling of the on-going investigation into this horrendous tragedy.
“Thank you also to the media who have, largely, respected our privacy at this difficult time: we ask that they continue to do so.”
