Hundreds of tributes pour in for late inspirational University of Limerick professor

TRIBUTES have poured in for a “hugely valued”, inspirational University of Limerick (UL) professor, who has sadly passed away.

Dr Sarah Mitchell joined UL as a lecturer in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics in January, 2008, following successful postdoctoral research positions at the University of British Columbia and the University of Cape Town.

A native of Bristol, she completed her PhD in mathematics at the University of Bath in 2003. 

Living and working in Castletroy, she passed away on May 17, peacefully, at Milford Care Centre. Dr Mitchell’s funeral service will take place on May 30.

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Acting president of UL, Shane Kilcommins, said: “I am very saddened by the death of our hugely valued colleague and friend, Professor Sarah Mitchell.

“Sarah was held in universally high regard by students and colleagues. She was extremely hard-working, diligent, and unfailingly generous with her time. 

“I know I speak for the full campus community in expressing our sincere condolences to all of Sarah’s family, especially to her mother Pat and brothers Andrew and James, to her many friends, colleagues, and students.”

Dr Mitchell believed strongly in the virtues of diversity and fairness for all and chaired the first Athena Swan application for the department, resulting in the first bronze award to a mathematics department in the country. 

She also co-chaired the subsequent Athena Swan applications for the Department of Mathematics and Statistics, culminating in the first Athena Swan silver award for a mathematics department in Ireland.

With a strong sense of duty and a natural ability to lead and to inspire others, Dr Mitchell took up the role of Head of Department in September 2016 and helped to foster the culture of inclusivity and togetherness in the department and the MACSI research group. 

She continued her research work throughout this time, and helped grow the department’s international reputation through the organisation of European Study Groups with Industry, which attracted mathematicians and statisticians from many countries to Limerick. 

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“Her PhD students benefited from her expertise on mathematical modelling and numerical methods, her strong international collaboration network, and her selfless dedication to the development of their skills and career prospects,” Professor Kilcommins said.

“Sarah was diagnosed with cancer in early 2020 but continued to lead the department through the pandemic disruptions, remaining unfailingly stoic and positive throughout her treatment.” 

In the words of her close colleague and friend, Professor James Gleeson: “We will never forget her immense bravery and her refusal to despair, as we celebrate her happy and vivacious life, her accomplishments, and all she gave to life and those lucky enough to know her.”

Dr Mitchell will be is the beloved daughter of Pat and the late Sandy is the dearly loved sister of Andrew and James. Will be sadly missed by her sisters-in-law Stephanie and Kirsty, nephews Dylan, Lucas. Harry and Zack, nieces Ella and Erin, extended family, her colleagues in the University Limerick and friends.

Many condolences have flooded in on RIP.ie, including some from colleagues and past students, which highlight the enormity of how Dr Mitchell touched their lives in more ways than one. 

One student said: “Sarah was the best PhD supervisor I could have asked for. She gave me the freedom to find my own way, but never let me drift too far. She’ll be missed.” 

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Another student wrote: “My sincere condolences to Sarah's family and friends, Sarah was one of my lecturers during my time in UL, a wonderful lecturer with a sincere interest in helping others learn. Thank you Sarah, for your time and dedication helping us all learn, understand and appreciate maths more, it won't be forgotten.”

One UL colleague said:  “Sarah had a warmth and kindness about her. She always greeted people with a smile and a genuine interest in how they were doing, even when she herself was unwell. Her absence will be deeply felt across the department.” 

While a dear friend shared: “I knew Sarah outside her academic career. She joined our hiking club shortly after arriving in Limerick. We did a few trips abroad together. 

“We had a great adventure to Peru and to the Grand Paradise in Italy. We met regularly for coffee. I really admire how she coped for the past five years with her serious illness. Sarah spoke so fondly of her family. I will miss her but glad that her suffering is over. Rest in peace Sarah.”