Tribute to Rodica-Doris Hermann-Ostrowski, 1952 - 2023

My sincere condolences to all the family. Doris was a lovely colleague to have at the Language Centre, admired for her professionalism, dedication and passion for teaching. Her radiant smile will not be forgotten.

Doris was an exceptional language teacher and a much loved and respected colleague whose dedication to her work and to her students went far beyond the call of duty. I will miss her smile, her voice and her presence and contribution to our endeavours but will treasure perpetuating the legacy of her work. My heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, colleagues and students.

I knew Doris as a colleague at Oxford University Language Centre. She was very well-respected by all, always ready to share her expertise and long-standing experience in language teaching. She brought much to our meetings. Her professionalism was underpinned by a constant positivity and generosity of spirit. She has always been very supportive, showing much consideration to all. She often brought a smile to one's face. The community of learners and staff at the Language Centre will feel her loss. I take the opportunity to convey my heartfelt condolences to her family and friends.

I found this a profoundly moving piece that we read for Granny. Gone From My Sight by Henry Van Dyke I am standing upon the seashore A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength. I stand and watch her until at length she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other. Then, someone at my side says; "There, she is gone!" "Gone where?" Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port. Her diminished size is in me, not in her. And just at the moment when someone at my side says, "There, she is gone!", There are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout; "Here she comes!" And that is dying.

I am I and you are you, whatever we were to each other that we still are. Speak to me in the easy way which you always used. Why should I be out of mind because I am out of sight? Life means all that it ever meant, it is the same as it ever was.

Thank you for setting up this memorial to Rodica-Doris. We hope that you find it a positive experience developing the site and that it becomes a place of comfort and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.