HRC Director Jane Moody passes away

The director of the Humanities Research Centre and much-loved Professor of English, Jane Moody, has passed away.

Moody, a specialist in eighteenth- and nineteenth-century literature and culture, died this morning after a four-year battle with breast cancer. Despite initially responding well to treatment, the cancer returned in 2010, at which point Moody decided to keep news of her illness away from the public eye – and continued to work in the department right until her death.

Despite her illness, the professor was due to convene the “Byron and Romantic Performances” module this academic year for MA students.

The English department was informed of Professor Moody’s death this afternoon via an email from her colleague, Professor Bill Sherman, a Renaissance specialist.

He said: “It is with deep sadness that we inform you of the death of Jane Moody, Professor of English and Director of the Humanities Research Centre. She died peacefully at home this morning, surrounded by her family.

“Jane had been suffering from cancer since 2008, but she chose to keep the news of her illness very quiet until the very end and we can only marvel at the courage, intensity and clarity this allowed her to bring to both work and life over the last two years. Jane was a dynamic colleague and a vital presence inside and outside the university, and I know you will want to join me in sending our condolences to her husband Greg Kucich and the rest of her family.”

A scholarship fund is to be set up in the academic’s name, and the departments are in the process of organising commemorative events in the coming weeks.

Moody was both Founding Director of the HRC and one of its key overseers. Student Sophie Colombeau commented on the HRC’s memorial blog post to say that, “Jane was an inspirational woman on both a personal and an academic level. Her energy, talent and dedication had a great impact on myself and so many other students, among other things making us see the academic profession in a fresh and exciting light.

“She is and will be terribly missed. Deepest condolences to all Jane’s family and friends.”