In Memoriam Pascale Smeets

With great disbelief we received word of the completely unexpected death of Pascale Smeets.

Pascale had only recently returned from her summer holiday. A well-deserved break that followed an intensive year in which her talents and positive drive to make things a success came to their full advantage. In this year, Pascale settled into her – still relatively new – position as coordinator of the University Library's locations and facilities team and quickly mastered the role. In doing so, she payed careful attention to both details and the big picture. She also payed especially great attention to her colleagues, in and outside her team.

She also established the Kubatana Art Foundation during this year, demonstrating the passion that was so typical for her. She had planned to do so much more. Pascale had a lot of different talents, which meant she had to pick and choose which ones to use. There are only 24 hours in a day, after all – as she herself lamented on more than one occasion.

Pascale was creative and had a clear picture of how things should be. She was able to envision an ultimate goal and work towards it with determination and conviction. Whether it was the renovation of the University Library's back offices, the study places at Tapijn or the ‘Find your way’ signposting, everything Pascale touched turned into gold. She had a unique aptitude for combining functionality and aesthetics. In endeavours ranging from setting up a project or structuring new responsibilities within her team to painting, sculpting and singing, Pascale had the special touch that made things shine. While she enjoyed seeing her efforts pay off, Pascale was always immediately ready to tackle the next undertaking. She was conscientious, with boundless energy and dedication.

In losing Pascale, the University Library has lost a true gem. We will miss her.

At both Library locations, a room has been set up with a photo and a booklet in which everyone is welcome to share their thoughts and memories of Pascale. These memory booklets will be given to her family.

On Thursday 9 August at 14.30, we will gather at the Peusen funeral home (Bellekeweg 37 in Echt) to pay our last respects to Pascale.

The University Library staff