Liz Hockey

We are sad to announce that Liz Hockey, Communication Officer within Estates, passed away on 12 May 2020 after a battle with cancer.

Liz started working at the University on 4 March 1991 in the Finance Payment Office and later became the Communication Officer within Estates until she retired on 31 July 2008.

Whist working in Estates, Liz dealt with all matters relating to mobile phones: ordering, setting up, user training for those who struggled with modern technology, repairs, problem solving and accounting and charging for their use. Additionally, she did much of the online operation of the system to charge all departments for their use of the main telephone service and private calls.

As part of her role, Liz was responsible for looking after the University’s Degree Ceremonial Regalia – dealing with the upkeep and alterations for new staff and being responsible for dressing the Honorands in their gowns. This included the likes of Sir Terry Wogan, Benjamin Zephaniah, Julie Walters and Richard Attenborough, something she “took great pride in and thoroughly enjoyed.”

Liz was always known to be a very happy and very caring person and always had a huge element of fun about her. Over the years she worked voluntarily for a variety of needy causes, including for the Royal National Lifeboat Institute (RNLI) and fund-raising for Children in Need, often dressed as Pudsey Bear, collecting from staff at the University.

Liz’s funeral has been arranged for Monday 1 June 2020 at 10.15am. Due to Covid-19 only 14 mourners are allowed. Family and friends who are unable to attend the funeral will be holding a two-minute silence at 10.15am in her memory. If you would like to send your condolences to the family please e-mail Tara Tate (tat3@le.ac.uk) and she will pass them onto the family, or let Tara know if you would like a copy of the Order of Service and Tribute Poem which will be read at the service.

Family flowers only please. Donations can be made to Macmillan Cancer Support, should you so wish.