I write to share the sad news that Francesca Merritt, our former IALS Treasurer, passed away on 17 February. She had been struggling with illness for a number of years, and it seems that her health further deteriorated in the last two months. She is survived by her daughter and son, Fiona and Richard.
Francesca had been involved with the IALS since 1989 when she provided accommodation for Ladakhi participants who had come to the UK for the 4th IALS conference in Bristol. She had remained closely associated with the association ever since, and served as Treasurer and Membership Secretary from 1997 to 2009. The last conference she attended was in Heidelberg in 2013, as seen in this picture. We will all remember her with gratitude for her warmth, hospitality and practical assistance over so many years.
I'll write a longer note of appreciation for Stawa and Ladakh Studies. Meanwhile, please do share any photographs or personal reminiscences that I might include.
John Bray
