Secretariat

Mrs Pauline Melia, MIMLT

It is with sadness that we let members know of the death, on 10 October 2012, of Mrs Pauline Melia, a retired senior member of the clerical staff in the former Registrar’s Office.

Pauline Melia initially qualified as a Member of the Institute of Medical Laboratory Technicians and worked in that capacity for a number of years in Torbay Hospital, Torquay.  She also had a first taste of University life when, in 1956-57, she held a technical appointment in the Houldsworth School of Applied Science. 

With increasing family responsibilities, Pauline took on freelance sub-editing and proof-reading, which enabled her to work from home.  In 1970, she was appointed to a part-time post in what was then the Registry.  She was involved from the outset in work with University publications, for which her freelance work stood her in good stead.  For many years, she took sole responsibility for the editing and preparation for publication of the volume which detailed publications by members of staff.  She was also heavily involved in proof-reading and editorial work for a number of other publications, including the University Calendar, the University of Leeds Review and the Undergraduate Prospectus.  Pauline excelled at the work.  She brought to it scrupulous care and attention to detail, sound judgement, and a detailed knowledge of the workings of the University and of printing conventions and technicalities.  She was also able quickly to forge harmonious working relationships with authors, departments and printers alike.  Quick to grasp the potential of new technology, it was to Pauline that many of her colleagues turned for guidance in this area.  Her performance and enthusiasm were acknowledged in several awards and promotions.  These brought in their train increasing responsibilities, including, latterly, overall co-ordination of the work of the clerical team in the Publications Office.  Always friendly and generous, Pauline was a very popular colleague, as well as one who was highly respected for her professional skill and commitment.

Pauline retired from the University in 1989.

Pauline’s husband, Mark, a Leeds graduate who spent the whole of his career as a schoolteacher in this area, died in 1995.   Pauline is survived by her two sons, Stephen and Adrian, and her daughter, Teresa, all of whom have been employed by the University at some point in their careers; she was also a grandmother and great-grandmother.

The funeral service and cremation was held on 19 October.  In Pauline’s memory, the flag was flown at half-mast on the Parkinson Building on that day.