Elise Lindsay, a member of the Case Western Reserve University community since 1977, passed away last Thursday in her home. Authorities believe the cause of her death, as well as her husband’s, was carbon monoxide poisoning.

Lindsay’s long service impacted countless individuals at offices throughout the university, particularly international students, as she was the Director of the Office of International Student Services in the Center for International Affairs.

“She had a kind of quiet strength,” said Molly Watkins, the Director for International Affairs. “She didn’t talk much, but when she did, she said a lot.” Watkins, though she only knew Lindsay for just over a year, got to know her well and always enjoyed her company at work.

Lindsay’s affection was particularly striking in individual conversations. She loved to hear about the lives and aspirations of international students, and was very excited about their accomplishments.

“We’ve received marriage announcements, career announcements, even birth announcements from our alumni,” said Watkins, “She really connected with students here.”

“She was like a mother to the students she worked with,” said Marielena Maggio, Assistant Director of Programs and Advising in the Center for International Affairs and the Interim Director of the Office of International Student Services.

Maggio came to know Lindsay during her internship under Lindsay seven years ago. Lindsay took to mentoring Maggio, who admired how Lindsay loved her work.

“It’s hard to believe that she loved her work as she did,” said Maggio, “Even with all the government and international regulations that surround it, she was always passionate about her students.”

Lindsay, a proud mother and grandmother, was very caring and kind to everyone she met. “As soon as you met her, you liked her,” said Maggio.

The loss of such a great woman has been hard on the CWRU community, particularly the staff of the Center for International Affairs.

“It’s been difficult,” said Watkins, “There’s no real way we can replace her.”

A memorial service will be held in Cleveland Heights at 3 p.m. today at the Church of the Saviour at 2537 Lee Rd. and is open to the CWRU community. The university also has plans to hold a separate memorial service later in the semester.