Department of Language and Linguistic Science

Tribute to our Department Manager Deborah Hines

Posted on 4 December 2020

A much-respected and well-loved colleague and friend

It is with deep sadness we announce that our wonderful Department Manager Deborah Hines passed away on 30 November, 2020, in St Leonard’s Hospice.

Despite her long illness Deborah had continued to work effectively until a few weeks before her death, carrying out a job to which she was dedicated. In the Hospice she continued to be in contact with colleagues and friends by text and by phone. Deborah was loved and respected by everyone, and her loss is keenly felt.

Deborah studied Classics at Churchill College, Cambridge. After Cambridge, she lived in London and worked at the Metal Exchange in the City. She moved north to work at Sheffield British Glass Recycling, after which she joined the University of Sheffield. Moving to York she became Departmental Administrator for Chemistry, where she is fondly remembered for her drive and determination to improve things, and for her wicked sense of humour. In 2010 Deborah became Department Manager in Language & Linguistic Science where she set up a high performing administrative team and was a key member of the Department Management Team. Deborah’s good judgment and clear-sighted approach commanded the respect of all who worked with her, both within the Department and across the University. She maintained her sense of humour until the end. She will be remembered with warmth and affection by her friends and colleagues, and will be sorely missed by all of us.

If you would like to contribute words of remembrance for Deborah and support St Leonard’s, the Hospice has a tribute page for her.