wyvern:extra
In memory of Nessa Coombe
Vanessa Coombe
Friends and colleagues of Library Assistant Vanessa Coombe, who died on
4 January, are invited to Café Mondo, on Tuesday 20 January between 5.30pm
and 7.30pm, to get together for a drink and a chat in memory of 'Nessa'.
Obituary
It was with deep sadness that her many friends and colleagues in the
Albert Sloman Library learned of the death of Vanessa Coombe (nee Page) in
Colchester General Hospital on Sunday 4 January. Vanessa (or Nessa, as she
was fondly known) worked in the Library over a span of 34 years, joining
the staff on 1 September 1969, shortly after the successful completion of
her A-Level studies at Clacton County High School. Interrupted only by a
brief interlude as a library assistant in the commercial world in the mid
1970s, Vanessa continued to work in the University Library until the onset
of her illness in late November 2003.
Vanessa’s duties as library assistant were based throughout in the
Library’s interlending section, a small but key unit devoted to supporting
the work of research students and academic staff. No library can hope to
purchase everything for its readership and in a university library with a
relatively short history an interlending section is of special
significance. Vanessa’s commitment and skill made a vital contribution
towards the success of a section which at times would annually handle in
excess of 15,000 requests from Essex staff and students, making it one of
the busiest interlending sections in any UK university library. It is
gratifying to note that the prefaces of more than a few books written by
Essex academic staff include acknowledgments to the professional support
received from Vanessa and her colleagues in tracking down and borrowing
materials from other libraries around the world.
There is, however, far more to interlending than its technical aspects,
and Vanessa’s cheery personality paved the way for many enduring
friendships across the interlending counter. Many generations of graduate
student benefited not only from Vanessa’s professional skills but her
advice on a wide range of issues. Her youthful outlook on life meant that
she was often seen swapping CDs or discussing new films and music with
those who first encountered her when handing in an interlending request.
Vanessa also had a talent for keeping in touch with the many student
assistants who worked in her section over the years. These trainee
librarians who have gone on to work in other libraries will miss her
regular e-mails, and the staff of the Albert Sloman Library have lost a
fine colleague – a sentiment surely shared by the many members of the
University who knew her.
A private service for Vanessa is being held on 20 January. Library
staff are currently deciding on a suitable way to commemorate her life.
Nigel Cochrane, Albert Sloman Library
Poem by Jan Streatfield
Very special Vanessa
Sometimes life is hard and can be a mess
But it's all the better for knowing Ness
She was always there with words of comfort and support
Showing genuine interest and kind thought.
Now we are filled with grief
And with total disbelief
Our tears of sadness are really flowing
But Ness left us with our hearts glowing.
Her sudden, tragic and premature death has left us stunned
But confirmed what we knew, that the good die young.
She touched so many lives, young and old,
With her caring nature and her heart of gold
As a Lord of the Rings fan she was like a big kid!
And no one crammed sweet words on a card quite like she did!
Her messages of warmth never failed
And I already miss her constant emails.
We remember her sentimentality, sense of fun, humour and her quirky ways
And for cycling to work even on rainy days!
In pain or disappointment she always kept her
chin up
And we remember her love of music...and dishy male pin-ups!
(Rest assured 'm dear, we'll continue that tradition on your behalf!)
We are grateful for her 'Nessmagic', the memories and all the laughs.
Rest in peace our dear friend, Nessa.
Jan Streafield, Department of Philosophy
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