Last Tuesday evening, our much-loved colleague Ilse Gronenschild passed away at the age of 63. Ilse had worked at Maastricht University since 1987, first as a secretary at FHML, SBE and the University Library. She subsequently made the transition to MUO in the role of HR assistant for SBE, moving to FASoS in 2009.
As a 'people person’, Ilse felt completely at home in HR. She laboured for the faculty staff with great devotion, a lot of love and a good sense of humour. Ilse was hugely committed to her work and really lived up to her own saying, 'You have show ponies and workhorses; I am a workhorse.' It was quite a hassle getting Ilse to go home on time. Ilse also remained focused on the job during her illness, as her desire to recover and get back to work was clearly evident.
We were greatly saddened to learn that her physical strength decreased visibly from October 2018 onwards. After a serious operation followed by hope and an uphill battle, Ilse wanted to move forward and did everything in her power to recover, despite a steady stream of complications and bad news. It was only last Tuesday that ‘she really could not keep going any longer’.
We feel emptiness, stillness and a great sadness. Ilse's huge sense of involvement was aimed not only at the faculty's staff but also towards us as colleagues. She was always interested in how we were doing and how our weekend had been, willing to help and to offer a listening ear, and showing humour and compassion. Ilse was genuinely concerned about us and our loved ones. We all have our own happy memories of this special lady.
Ilse, thank you and goodbye, you wonderful ‘people person’.
Your HRM colleagues
The farewell will take place at Crematorium Eijsden, Pisartlaan 8, 6245 SK Eijsden on Tuesday 23 July 2019 from 11.00 am.
You can say goodbye to Ilse in person at Uitvaartzorg Walpot, Pisartlaan 8, Eijsden on Friday 19 July, Saturday 20 July and Sunday 21 July from 5.30 to 6.30 pm.
