It is with a sense of profound sadness and loss that the ESCL is sharing the news that our dear friend and colleague Brigitte Le Juez passed away on 30 March 2025.

Brigitte was involved with the Society from its inception in 2001. She served as President from 2015 to 2017 before becoming the founding editor of our journal, CompLit: Journal of European Literature, Arts and Society. She was also the chief organiser of the 2015 congress in Dublin and Galway. Behind the scenes she  worked tirelessly to support our diverse activities.

Many of you will have had the pleasure of meeting Brigitte at one of the biennial congresses. She regretted that ill-health prevented her from attending the one in Paris last year. Her commitment to the professional work of the Society was matched by the pleasure she took in all the different excursions and conversations.

Brigitte taught at Dublin City University until her retirement in 2016. A full appreciation of her academic achievements will follow. For now we would like to remember her warmth, empathy, good humour, and deep care for both people and the environment. We will miss her enormously.

On behalf of the Society and of the Executive Committee members, past and present.

For Brigitte (by Asun)

Steadfast in friendship, kind and true,
With open hands, she saw us through.
Her generous heart, a guiding light,
that made the world more bright.

With wisdom strong and vision wide,
She led with grace, with steady stride.
A scholar’s mind, a leader’s art—
She shaped ESCL path, sharing her warmth.

Farewell, dear friend, though gone from sight,
Your spirit shines in endless light.