The Brock community is mourning the loss of Mary-Jayne Mete, a staff member remembered for her dedication to the University. She passed away on Friday, July 18 at the age of 63.

For more than 35 years, Mete supported the well-being and success of generations of Brock students through her work with Student Accessibility Services and the Student Success Centre, now known as Learning Services, which were both part of the former Student Development Centre.

Mete spent her entire career at Brock. She was honoured with a President’s Distinguished Staff Service Award for Outstanding Contributions in 2009 and for reaching a milestone 35 years of service in 2017.

Student Accessibility Case Manager Kimberley Gunning, a longtime colleague and friend, remembers Mete for her integrity, sense of humour and ability to make everyone feel heard and valued.

“Mary-Jayne had a natural ability to bring people together. Whether it was connecting colleagues who needed a little support or helping someone find just the right resource, she had an intuitive sense of community building,” she says. “Her presence was magnetic, her light was bright and her kindness left a lasting impression on everyone she met.”

Mete and her family have been steadfast members of the Brock community for decades.

Her father, Bob Welch, served as the University’s fifth Chancellor from 1985 to 2000, and Robert S. K. Welch Hall is named in his honour. Her brother, Rob Welch, is a current member of Brock’s Board of Trustees. Both of her children are Brock graduates.

Visitations will take place at the George Darte Funeral Home in St. Catharines on Thursday, July 24 from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 9 p.m.

A funeral will be held Friday, July 25 at 11 a.m. at St. George’s Anglican Church in St. Catharines.

The University’s flags will be lowered to half-mast on July 25 in Mete’s honour. To read more about her life and lasting contributions, visit the George Darte Funeral Home’s website.