‘Much respected advocate’ dies

Louise Zanré, former director of the Jesuit Refugee Service UK (JRS UK), died this week aged 47.

Ms Zanré, who stepped down from the post at the beginning of this year, had suffered from a very rare form of arthritis for some time, but in a statement the organisation said that her death had been unexpected. She had continued to work with the JRS after stepping down.

Sarah Teather, a former Liberal Democrat MP and Coalition Government Minister, who succeeded Ms Zanré as director of JRS UK just four weeks ago, said she had come to admire her dedication and strength, adding: “But the most striking thing for me as I began working closely with her at JRS UK was the generosity of Louise’s love and service. She cared deeply for the refugees, volunteers and staff and was profoundly loyal to JRS. She set quite an example to follow.”

The Provincial of the Jesuits in Britain, Fr Dermot Preston SJ, described her as a tireless and much respected advocate for refugees’ rights, saying: “Louise combined both a remarkable grasp of the policy and issues with a genuine love and respect for the individuals she encountered; they were never statistics. She showed huge courage and wry good-humour during her long and taxing illness and treatments and she will be greatly missed.”