The Information Literacy Group and the LILAC committee were devastated to hear of the passing of our friend and colleague, Elaine, earlier this month. Elaine joined ILG in 2015, acting as the group Treasurer and also serving on the LILAC Committee. She had been convinced to join ILG by Rosie Jones, who knew Elaine’s talent, commitment and humour would be the perfect fit for the group.
It’s fair to say Elaine made a big impact on all of us over the years…
“From the moment I met Elaine at LJMU in 2015, her brilliance was unmistakable. I was eager for everyone to have the opportunity to work alongside her, which is why I enthusiastically encouraged her to join ILG. Even after I left LJMU, I regularly asked if I could introduce her to other colleagues—I knew that anyone who met her would immediately see her talent and be inspired by her positivity, initiative, and enthusiasm. Elaine’s abilities were remarkable; she was truly a rising star, already an outstanding leader in the sector she was destined to outpace us all.”
Rosie Jones, ILG Strategic Advisor
“She always said that information literacy wasn’t really her area of expertise, but her passion for contributing to the wider profession and her eagerness to learn meant she soon became a huge asset to the committee. Elaine was a real whizz with numbers and she was critical to keeping ILG in a strong financial position. She also gave me the confidence as a new Chair, that I wouldn’t be able to bankrupt the group with any crazy ideas!”
Jane Secker, ILG Deputy Chair
All of us who worked with her will remember her energy and enthusiasm – as well as her musical talent, which she used to entertain us all at LILAC. At LILAC 2017 in Swansea, Elaine played violin, accompanied by committee member Nigel Morgan on piano at the networking event. Many of us had no idea until then she was such a talented musician and it was a really memorable performance:
“I was thrilled to perform with Elaine – she was fantastic. When I travelled to Liverpool for our first rehearsal I was nervous as I had never played alongside a violinist. But we ended up having an absolute ball loving every minute of our rehearsals and the performance itself. The main item on our programme was Schubert’s sonata for piano and violin which we played to an appreciative crowd. It went really well, even though I played a duff final chord which we laughed about so much at the time! For years after the performance when either of us heard the piece on one of the classical radio stations we would message each other. It goes without saying that whenever I hear the piece in future I will be thinking of Elaine. Such a great memory.”
Nigel Morgan, ex-LILAC Committee member
She made such an impact on all who met her at LILAC. She was a friendly, joyous presence, always helpful, always smiling. She was kind to everyone and would chat to you and make you feel like a friend straight away.
Elaine left the committee in 2019 when she went on maternity leave to have her twin girls. She was much missed by everyone at the time, having been such a kind, friendly and supportive presence. Although she had left the committee a few years ago, many of us stayed in touch with her and proudly watched on as her career progressed. It was a devastating shock to hear of her loss and our thoughts are with her family and loved ones at this time.
The University of Lancaster has published details on how to share memories of Elaine and has made an online book of condolence available should you wish to contribute.
Jane Secker
ILG Deputy Chair
Rosie Jones
ILG Strategic Advisor
Claire Packham
LILAC Chair
Anne-Lise Harding
ILG Co-chair
Laura Woods
ILG Co-chair
