In my thoughts always dear Caroline xxxxx

Remembering you on your birthday - still hard to think you are not with us to celebrate.

Very sad to read this. I will remember our marathon sessions with Ed Countryman and Tony Macfarlane engaging with the literature on resistance and rebellion in the colonial Americas back in the mid eighties. Tupac Amaru and the Green Mountain Boys were our compadres as we learnt to bob and weave in the historian’s ring. I am sorry we didn’t keep in touch as I crossed the ocean to pursue my studies, but am cheered to read of your generous and productive life in the testimonials below.

I just found an email from you in my inbox from before I went on maternity leave. I'm so sad you didn't get to meet Milo. You would have loved him - he's such a rascal! It's nice to write this on here, hopefully you'll know I have been thinking about you <3

Funeral eulogy, 2 October 2019 Caroline Williams had a rare combination of intellectual gifts and personal warmth. I first met her soon after she joined UCL History Department in 1992. Walking past an open office door, I glimpsed fair hair, twinkly eyes, a ready smile, so I stopped to chat. It was only some way into the conversation that I learned that she was actually in rather a state of shock, because she’d just had her purse stolen by a walk-in thief. I offered coffee and sympathy, perhaps some minor practical help, no more than anyone would have done. It was typical of Caroline that she responded generously a few days later with an invitation to come round for dinner “to say thank you”. So began many years of good conversation, hospitality, affection and sheer fun, all the things that all of you will remember. The fact that Caroline was one of the warmest and kindest people any of us are likely to meet should not distract attention from her other sterling qualities. To mention just three of them here: she had great determination to make the most of things; she had intellectual imagination; and she had courage. The determination was evident from the very start of her academic life. Being a university student is usually a formative experience for anyone who chooses that path. But for Caroline her time at Warwick was especially marked by transition. She started her degree there in 1982 not long after the family had been forced to leave Argentina, where she was born and grew up. Although her friends from the Warwick years recall that she adapted to life in England with characteristic resolve, this was by no means easy for her. At first, she strongly disliked England, which struck her as cold and grey in all respects. It was, after all, the early 1980s. Two experiences changed Caroline’s attitude. The first was becoming a member of the intellectual and social community created by the Comparative American Studies degree, where she made many of the friends who are here today. She threw herself into her studies and did exceptionally well, as one of the best undergraduates they’d ever had. She was also very popular: there’s a lovely moment recalled by her fellow student Jo. They were at a lecture on US foreign policy towards Cuba, which was held in a room up on the third floor of a building. Just as the lecturer began to discuss the many plots by the CIA to assassinate Fidel Castro, window cleaners suddenly appeared as if by magic outside the windows. Their sudden presence distracted everyone, and Caroline, with her ready wit, suggested that it was more CIA dirty tricks trying to stymie the (admittedly rather anti-US) lecture. The second experience that reconciled Caroline to England came later, while she was doing her PhD, when she met and fell in love with Richard. That was the turning point, the change that enabled her at last to feel truly at home here. They married in 1991 and he was always her anchor, as she often said, giving her a fundamental sense of peace and happiness. As you all know, Caroline was a gifted historian of colonial Latin America and the Atlantic world, with three acclaimed books and a prize-winning article to her name. She made distinguished contributions to the history of cultural encounters between indigenous peoples and Spaniards in Colombia; to the early modern history of Atlantic commercial and cultural exchange; and to the study of the frontier in Central America, an emerging field of historical research which she did much to create. But perhaps what’s most impressive about her intellectual work is the powerful imagination she brought to it. One striking example is the research she did recently with three colleagues from Bristol University School of Earth Sciences, trying to find out what the documents from colonial Latin America might reveal about the patterns and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Many historians tick the box of interdisciplinary work by venturing into dialogue with someone in anthropology or cultural studies, but Caroline boldly set out to bridge the two cultures of the humanities and the sciences. This was real interdisciplinary research, of true originality. And Caroline had a good deal of courage, which was evident in her determination to stand up for what she believed in, even when it was difficult and draining to do so. Most of us have seen her moral courage, but Richard also recalls a dramatic instance of sheer physical guts that took place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. He told me: “We were standing on the corner of a street near Copacabana Beach one afternoon, when we were confronted by a mean looking young man, who claimed that he was part of 'The Favela Mafia'. He first asked for some money for 'a sandwich', but having received it, he then demanded, 'all your money'. Stinginess and stubbornness overcame fear, so I refused to hand over any more cash. The confrontation continued for about 20 minutes, with Caroline standing bravely and resolutely by my side, and with the street thief getting increasingly irritated by our calm and recalcitrant demeanour. Eventually Caroline said that she was going to get help, at which point 'Mafia Man' walked off in disgust. No one who confronted the two of us ever got more than the price of a sandwich!” Back at home in Warwick, West London or Bristol, Caroline and Richard created a kind of parallel universe for their family and friends, a world where you could relax and enjoy the good things in life. It was not only beloved nieces, nephews and god-children who were allowed, nay encouraged, to eat vast quantities of chocolate or to spend freely in the shops: her adult friends also found themselves unable to gainsay her charming way of making you indulge yourself, almost whether you wanted to or not. Any event she arranged -- academic or social --would involve frequent coffee breaks, free-flowing wine and a fabulous meal. She loved conversation and discussion and argument -- especially argument, a practice that began around the family dinner-table and which she often pursued tenaciously at her own table. She enjoyed music: from Neapolitan folksongs to tango to Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, although inexplicably to Richard she never did appreciate Whispering Bob Harris on the Old Grey Whistle-Test. She loved art and used to enjoy being able to support local artists by picking out another well-chosen piece to fill a space at home. She was always reading novels and we used to argue amicably about whether if forced to choose we would prefer to live without books or music. For her it was always novels that came first: she especially loved Dickens, which makes sense, given his well-known wit, relish for social satire and exuberant evocation of all aspects of human experience. Caroline, too, was endlessly interested in everything. A phrase that’s come up again and again in recollections of Caroline is that she never did anything by halves. This goes right back to her childhood. Her sister Felicity remembers walking to school: with Stephanie singing and Caroline carrying ALL of her books, every day. Anyone who worked with her on academic projects knows her dedication to exhaustive review of the sources, rigorous argument and finely-honed prose. In her insatiable quest for the news, she would surf the websites of international newspapers, deploying an insider’s knowledge of how to maximise the allowance of free content from each one before moving on to the next. She’s the only person I’ve ever met who would willingly devote five hours to making an especially delicious kind of meatballs. More seriously, she sent me the biggest box of flowers I’ve ever seen when my father died. I thought we’d be friends into old age, drinking a bit too much Rioja, letting her persuade me once again to eat too much chocolate, setting the world to rights … It’s hard to accept that’s not going to happen now. But Caroline will stay with me. Over the last few weeks, whenever I’ve wondered if I could be bothered to go the extra mile on something, I’ve been spurred on by thinking, well Caroline would have done. She’s there in my mind’s eye –that quizzical look, that affectionate smile, inspiring me to be more principled, more generous in outlook – and more ready to laugh about life. To be honest, it’s not much consolation right now, but I trust that in time it will be. I’m pretty sure it’s what she would have wanted, for all of us. Caroline Williams had a rare combination of intellectual gifts and personal warmth. I first met her soon after she joined UCL History Department in 1992. Walking past an open office door, I glimpsed fair hair, twinkly eyes, a ready smile, so I stopped to chat. It was only some way into the conversation that I learned that she was actually in rather a state of shock, because she’d just had her purse stolen by a walk-in thief. I offered coffee and sympathy, perhaps some minor practical help, no more than anyone would have done. It was typical of Caroline that she responded generously a few days later with an invitation to come round for dinner “to say thank you”. So began many years of good conversation, hospitality, affection and sheer fun, all the things that all of you will remember. The fact that Caroline was one of the warmest and kindest people any of us are likely to meet should not distract attention from her other sterling qualities. To mention just three of them here: she had great determination to make the most of things; she had intellectual imagination; and she had courage. The determination was evident from the very start of her academic life. Being a university student is usually a formative experience for anyone who chooses that path. But for Caroline her time at Warwick was especially marked by transition. She started her degree there in 1982 not long after the family had been forced to leave Argentina, where she was born and grew up. Although her friends from the Warwick years recall that she adapted to life in England with characteristic resolve, this was by no means easy for her. At first, she strongly disliked England, which struck her as cold and grey in all respects. It was, after all, the early 1980s. Two experiences changed Caroline’s attitude. The first was becoming a member of the intellectual and social community created by the Comparative American Studies degree, where she made many of the friends who are here today. She threw herself into her studies and did exceptionally well, as one of the best undergraduates they’d ever had. She was also very popular: there’s a lovely moment recalled by her fellow student Jo. They were at a lecture on US foreign policy towards Cuba, which was held in a room up on the third floor of a building. Just as the lecturer began to discuss the many plots by the CIA to assassinate Fidel Castro, window cleaners suddenly appeared as if by magic outside the windows. Their sudden presence distracted everyone, and Caroline, with her ready wit, suggested that it was more CIA dirty tricks trying to stymie the (admittedly rather anti-US) lecture. The second experience that reconciled Caroline to England came later, while she was doing her PhD, when she met and fell in love with Richard. That was the turning point, the change that enabled her at last to feel truly at home here. They married in 1991 and he was always her anchor, as she often said, giving her a fundamental sense of peace and happiness. As you all know, Caroline was a gifted historian of colonial Latin America and the Atlantic world, with three acclaimed books and a prize-winning article to her name. She made distinguished contributions to the history of cultural encounters between indigenous peoples and Spaniards in Colombia; to the early modern history of Atlantic commercial and cultural exchange; and to the study of the frontier in Central America, an emerging field of historical research which she did much to create. But perhaps what’s most impressive about her intellectual work is the powerful imagination she brought to it. One striking example is the research she did recently with three colleagues from Bristol University School of Earth Sciences, trying to find out what the documents from colonial Latin America might reveal about the patterns and effects of earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Many historians tick the box of interdisciplinary work by venturing into dialogue with someone in anthropology or cultural studies, but Caroline boldly set out to bridge the two cultures of the humanities and the sciences. This was real interdisciplinary research, of true originality. And Caroline had a good deal of courage, which was evident in her determination to stand up for what she believed in, even when it was difficult and draining to do so. Most of us have seen her moral courage, but Richard also recalls a dramatic instance of sheer physical guts that took place on the streets of Rio de Janeiro. He told me: “We were standing on the corner of a street near Copacabana Beach one afternoon, when we were confronted by a mean looking young man, who claimed that he was part of 'The Favela Mafia'. He first asked for some money for 'a sandwich', but having received it, he then demanded, 'all your money'. Stinginess and stubbornness overcame fear, so I refused to hand over any more cash. The confrontation continued for about 20 minutes, with Caroline standing bravely and resolutely by my side, and with the street thief getting increasingly irritated by our calm and recalcitrant demeanour. Eventually Caroline said that she was going to get help, at which point 'Mafia Man' walked off in disgust. No one who confronted the two of us ever got more than the price of a sandwich!” Back at home in Warwick, West London or Bristol, Caroline and Richard created a kind of parallel universe for their family and friends, a world where you could relax and enjoy the good things in life. It was not only beloved nieces, nephews and god-children who were allowed, nay encouraged, to eat vast quantities of chocolate or to spend freely in the shops: her adult friends also found themselves unable to gainsay her charming way of making you indulge yourself, almost whether you wanted to or not. Any event she arranged -- academic or social --would involve frequent coffee breaks, free-flowing wine and a fabulous meal. She loved conversation and discussion and argument -- especially argument, a practice that began around the family dinner-table and which she often pursued tenaciously at her own table. She enjoyed music: from Neapolitan folksongs to tango to Mozart’s Marriage of Figaro, although inexplicably to Richard she never did appreciate Whispering Bob Harris on the Old Grey Whistle-Test. She loved art and used to enjoy being able to support local artists by picking out another well-chosen piece to fill a space at home. She was always reading novels and we used to argue amicably about whether if forced to choose we would prefer to live without books or music. For her it was always novels that came first: she especially loved Dickens, which makes sense, given his well-known wit, relish for social satire and exuberant evocation of all aspects of human experience. Caroline, too, was endlessly interested in everything. A phrase that’s come up again and again in recollections of Caroline is that she never did anything by halves. This goes right back to her childhood. Her sister Felicity remembers walking to school: with Stephanie singing and Caroline carrying ALL of her books, every day. Anyone who worked with her on academic projects knows her dedication to exhaustive review of the sources, rigorous argument and finely-honed prose. In her insatiable quest for the news, she would surf the websites of international newspapers, deploying an insider’s knowledge of how to maximise the allowance of free content from each one before moving on to the next. She’s the only person I’ve ever met who would willingly devote five hours to making an especially delicious kind of meatballs. More seriously, she sent me the biggest box of flowers I’ve ever seen when my father died. I thought we’d be friends into old age, drinking a bit too much Rioja, letting her persuade me once again to eat too much chocolate, setting the world to rights … It’s hard to accept that’s not going to happen now. But Caroline will stay with me. Over the last few weeks, whenever I’ve wondered if I could be bothered to go the extra mile on something, I’ve been spurred on by thinking, well Caroline would have done. She’s there in my mind’s eye –that quizzical look, that affectionate smile, inspiring me to be more principled, more generous in outlook – and more ready to laugh about life. To be honest, it’s not much consolation right now, but I trust that in time it will be. I’m pretty sure it’s what she would have wanted, for all of us. Nicola Miller

We have just returned from a trip to Ecuador where we thought of Caroline often, as the history of that country permeated the actions people take in the face of natural hazards today. We (Teresa Armijos and Jenni Barclay) were part of the Network on Disasters that Caroline instigated. We attended meetings and ran one here, and Caroline's calm and welcoming manner were a central force in all of them. We were looking forward to working with her more and benefiting from her wisdom. She was one of the genuinely 'wise women' we have met in our time in academia and although we will miss her, we will try to learn from that and follow her lead in how we collaborate, share and think. Thank you Caroline.

Sitting here in Cyprus thinking of Caroline ... my husband Richard and his brother Chris are attending the funeral and memorial events today ... and I gather the sun has been shining .... how very fitting that the light of a bright autumn sun will be with Caroline today and accompany her always. Rest in peace dear Caroline - you will never be forgotten. Ali (Sale)

Caroline was a gentle and kind friend whose generosity knew no bounds. She was an intellectually rigorous colleague whose contributions were always valuable. She once told me that she would stop reading any novel that didn't seem worthwhile pretty quickly. Why? Because she had worked out how many novels she could read in her life and didn't want to waste time on anything that didn't inspire or move her. I hope every novel she read gave her great pleasure. And I will remember her as a true friend to me and to so many others.

Since I joined the School of Modern Languages (Russian department) 20 years ago, Caroline has been a constant gentle presence. I have always been impressed by her ability to bring stillness into what is often a frenetic and driven environment. She bore the burden of work, particularly during her time as School Education Director, with quiet grace. I am sad that she did not live long enough to 'enter her rest', and I hope that she rests now.

When I think of Caroline, I remember her kind smile. I did not get to know her very well but she always took the time to say hello when passing me in the corridors. Always had a kind word for all. I wish I had got to know her more. My thoughts are with her and her family and friends today. Emilie

From the day we were first introduced to you, down the pub by Richard, in those 80’s Warwick days, I knew I really liked you. Immediately, you became the most generous, funny, fiercely intellectual and genuine friend that anyone could have had. When I think of you, I always see your smile and I hear your giggle. I feel lucky to have known you and I want to thank you for the many times (particularly in my younger years) when both you and Richard helped me. I’m only sorry that I didn’t see more of you in later years, although I am so grateful that we kept in contact. Caroline, I can’t believe that you aren’t with us anymore. In my thoughts and my memories, you will always be that warm, sparkly, funny, fiercely intellectual, loyal and most of all, generous friend. I am going to really miss you. Shine on dear friend xxxxx Suzanne

Caroline, I am using the office that used to be yours years ago, the one you decorated yourself with your own hands! And you left me have the curtains, and the small electric heater… I look at this room and you are here. I remember the conversations we had about your life in Argentina… your help and support when my brother was ill… and so many instances when you showed your caring nature. I cannot believe you are not with us anymore. I will never forget you. Adiós, Caroline, buen viaje. Rossana Vanni

I first met Caroline when I started working in Modern Languages back in 2011, however I was lucky to get to work with her closely during her time as Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning, a role she approached with the energy, clarity and diligence I came to know as some of her key strengths. It is not an easy role to fulfil, as the workload is heavy alongside academic work, but Caroline took all this in her stride and the role was in very safe hands. I loved working with Caroline, it was always an absolute pleasure. There are a few things which I will always remember about Caroline; one is her genuine warmth and compassion, which luckily for me included her unwavering support for me as a colleague and as a person. It was always an honour to have someone like Caroline believe in you. The other thing I always will think of is her funny and mischievous side, which would often come into play in those long, drawn out meetings (sometimes with 4 of us packed into her office!) with copious amounts of tea and biscuits. When a meeting was especially long and nerves were becoming frayed, a well-timed knowing look or comment from Caroline would always have us laughing again. She was an absolute joy to know and will be hugely missed.

I worked very closely with Caroline for the past 5 years in her role as School Education Director, Caroline was scrupulous in her attention to detail when it came to prepare for Extenuating Circumstances Committees and Exam Board, she showed compassion when taking into account the impact of difficult circumstances, her empathy, genuine concern and care for all students, she was both practical and thoughtful in the way she carried out her responsibilities. Caroline was elegant and graceful in every way, elegant in her opinions, her speech, her style and in her work. She handled the business of the role and the bureaucracy with endless patience and care. Caroline always came into the office with a smile on her face no matter what, she always had time to listen and gave value to every person and every task in front of her. She was calm, modest and extremely diligent in her work, and clearly an accomplished scholar and teacher. Funny thing was Caroline always sensed when I was leaving the office to go home, she had a knack of appearing just as I was getting in my car and me being me would always offer her a lift home. Caroline will be very deeply missed, my thoughts are with you all at this very sad time, Rachel

I would have met Caroline in the first days of her undergraduate degree at Warwick, back in the early 1980s. Outside classes, whenever I felt nostalgic about my research trips to Argentina - 'Mi Buenos Aires querido', as the tango puts it - I could seek her out to talk about shared landscapes and listen to her perfectly modulated Spanish. I remember her putting me in touch with her brother-in-law, Juan, who built the shelves and cabinets for the study in my newly acquired Victorian house. She would sit in the corner of the study, helping quietly to oversee the installation, and picking books out of large removal boxes. She was an integral part of our intellectual and social community at Warwick for more than a decade. Many years later I had the good fortune to act as an external examiner for undergraduate and MA courses in Latin American Studies at Bristol. There I could see the care and attention that Caroline gave to all her students, the range of her research and teaching interests, and also the close relationship that she had with friends and colleagues. Caroline and Richard were always great hosts and I remember squeezing into Sally-Ann's car on several occasions to be shown the sights of Bristol and the surrounding countryside before members of the department took me for dinner at one of their favourite haunts. Never has examining been such a pleasure. And I also witnessed a remarkable act of solidarity by Caroline and several of her colleagues to avert a threatened redundancy within the department. Looking around my study this morning, in a vain search for early photos, I came across a recording of a concert in Buenos Aires in 1984 - Caroline's early years at Warwick - to mark the return of democracy in Argentina. I played one of the tracks, Mercedes Sosa's interpretation of Violeta Parra's song, 'Gracias a la vida', which became something of an anthem for hope and reconciliation. The lyrics, I feel, speak to Caroline own outlook on, and embrace of, life. Here is the final verse. Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto Me ha dado la risa y me ha dado el llanto Asi yo distingo dicha de quebranto Los dos materiales que forman mi canto Y el canto de ustedes que es mi mismo canto Y el canto de todos que es mi propio canto Gracias a la vida que me ha dado tanto Thank you Caroline. John

Caroline was clearly a much loved colleague and friend. Her collegiate, supportive and helpful approach has benefited hundreds of staff and students. Her commitment, dedication and her impeccable judgement made her an excellent ambassador for the School, the Faculty and her subject area. The Faculty is the richer for her having been part of it and I hope that her family and friends can take some comfort in knowing how valued she was.

Caroline was a fantastic colleague and a great ambassador for the Faculty. She was friendly and compassionate and always made time for me. I would often bump into her along Woodland Road and I very much enjoyed our chats; her friendly, warm smile and her ability to cut to the chase with good humour could always cheer up a difficult day. I trusted Caroline's judgement and valued her opinion. I feel so privileged to have known and worked with her.

I was lucky enough to work with Caroline since joining the Department of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies in 2014, though this was of course too short a period of time. She was always so warm and friendly, going above and beyond to look out for me and make sure I was okay as the new boy! She was an incredibly giving person, and this is not only clear in her approach to work, but also in her devotion to her family, friends and colleagues. All of us who knew you are truly blessed to have had you around - you will always be with us. All my love, James xxx

Caroline was one of the nicest, most compassionate and caring colleagues I ever had the pleasure of working with at Bristol. Having joined the School of Modern Languages in 2000, I consider myself lucky to have known her all these years. More recently, it was in her key role as Director of Teaching and Learning that I worked more closely with her. Caroline embraced this vital but sometimes challenging position. She cared deeply for students and colleagues and both benefited from her vision and support. Her qualities were kindness, sharpness of mind, true dedication and respect. She worked tirelessly and was always generous with her time in responding to queries or providing advice. During the dry formalities of exam boards she brought a lightness to proceedings while keeping everything in check with aplomb and elegance. Bumping into her was always an opportunity to engage in a friendly, and often funny, chat that would relieve the stress for a while, and it was always genuine. I cannot believe that she has left us when she was in her prime. She was universally and genuinely liked and admired by all. My thoughts are with her family and friends, and I hope they will draw some comfort from the knowledge of how much she meant to all her colleagues and how important her job has been. Her legacy of compassion, caring and support will continue to be deeply felt at a time when those qualities are needed more than ever.

I worked with Caroline from the time she first came to the University of Bristol in 1994, until my retirement in 2011. She was a highly valued colleague, who always gave more than she needed to, worked with graciousness and good humour, and was loyal and empathetic. While an expert in colonial Latin American History, in conversations about research, whether participating in seminars or casual conversations in the corridor, she had that rare gift of building bridges and finding commonalities with other research areas. Her passing is mourned not only by her close family and friends, but by those of us in the academic community who had the pleasure of working alongside her. David

Caroline was instrumental in my decision to go back to University and to study at Warwick. None of that would have happened without her. We became fast friends when we met in Seville at the Archive in the mid 1980s and at that time I was thinking of leaving Spain and going back to study in Canada. Caroline was so enthusiastic about the program at Warwick University and really thought it was the best place for me and for what I wanted and needed to do, and she helped me navigate all the steps to apply to Warwick from Spain. And she was right. I have never regretted that decision. As soon as I moved to the UK in 1986 and started coming out to Warwick every few weeks she was amazing, introducing me to her family and friends and taking me around the University and helping me get settled. I remember going over to her family's house and being charmed by her lovely Anglo-Argentine family. I was so impressed by her maturity and effortless Spanish and her passion for Latin America and Spanish history. We shared so many conversations over the years about our research, our studies, our mutual friends. I was so pleased when we connected in 2018 and she told me about her research projects to do with Central America and we talked about sharing information about mudslides in Guatemala. Last October when I was in Seville I went to the post office across the street from the Archive and mailed her two recent publications of mine. We exchanged messages about trying to meet up again in Seville at the Archive one day. Caroline was an incredibly clever and caring person, she had a wonderful laugh and a great sense of humour, the biggest heart, and so much passion for her work, her family and her friends. I remember her so fondly, she was such a kind person and a great friend and gave me so much support and guidance when I needed it.

I have visited Caroline (and Richard of course) in a professional capacity for many years, but such has been their warmth and friendliness that more time has been spent telling family news over good coffee and quality biscuits than in repairing their various appliances. Each and every visit to the home was always keenly anticipated. Caroline's care and interest in others has always been quickly apparent and her love for family unmistakable and special. I don't doubt that there will be many missing Caroline's friendship, love, and genuine, ready smile. Richard, I pray that the God all grace and comfort will make Himself known in a meaningful way just now when you need Him most. Simon, Catriona and Sam Safe And Sound

I feel very privileged to have met with and known Caroline. She was one of the friendliest, kindest, most caring and generous colleagues I have ever worked with. Thank you for making the Exam Boards go so quickly and so much more fun. I will always remember you Caroline and will miss you lovely smile and kindness tremendously. My thoughts are with her family and friends. Fabienne

I'll always remember what a pleasure it was working with Caroline. She was one of those colleagues it was impossible not to get along with. Among the many qualities I admired in her were her generosity and kindness towards others that she unfailingly demonstrated throughout the time we worked together.

Caroline was a delightful person and a wonderful colleague. It was a real pleasure to work with her over many years and especially when she was in charge of education for the School. She always thought through everything meticulously, she always offered highly valuable opinions on what needed to be done and, above all, she was always extremely willing to help and advise all members of the School. The intelligence, calmness and friendliness that she showed in everything were very special. Charles

Caroline enriched the lives of many, mine included, by her personal qualities and her attributes as student, teacher and scholar. My first memories are from the time of her arrival as a student at Warwick University in the early 1980s, where her experience of life in Argentina and intense interest in Latin American history meant that she stood out from the crowd. Despite the difficulties which she and her family faced in moving from Argentina, she adjusted to a new life with characteristic clarity and determination. She entered the History Department at Warwick, where she opted for the BA in Comparative American Studies, a degree programme that allowed her to develop her commitment to, and talent for the historical study of the Americas. Caroline was one of CAS’s brightest students, and she followed her undergraduate success by working for a PhD. Her doctoral research took her to archives in Spain, where she carved a pathway into the history of cross-cultural encounters and race relationships on the frontiers of the Hispanic world. She made the conquest and colonisation of the Colombian Chocó her subject, and produced the first full study of Spanish invasions and indigenous resistance in the region. Her subsequent book was a pioneering piece of original research, a model work on its subject, and an important contribution to the history of Spanish-indigenous relationships in the American world. Caroline did not do things by halves. Her writings – which went on to encompass the social histories of frontiers in Central America – were always based on meticulous scholarship, organised with clarity and skill, and expressed in a fluid and persuasive prose that was honed by rigorous redrafting. Caroline was a leading scholar of the history of Hispanic American frontiers and her contribution was recognised by the recent award of the Tibesar Prize for one of her articles. The loss of her ongoing work on Spanish Central America will be sharply felt by fellow historians in a field which, despite her self-effacement and understatement, she did much to develop. No doubt the work that she has left will inspire others to follow in her path. Angela and I remember Caroline in the years that she lived and worked in Warwick, and where she and Richard married. However, her gift for friendship allowed us to stay in touch over the years that followed, and it was great to see her establish such a full and fruitful life with Richard in Bristol. As so many friends and colleagues attest, Caroline was a wonderful person who did a great deal to brighten the life of those around her, in her family, among her colleagues and among her academic peers in the world of Hispanic and Latin American studies. It goes without saying that she will be sorely missed. Tony McFarlane

I first met Caroline when I was working as an administrator in the Arts Faculty Office, and then worked more closely with her when I moved to work in the School of Modern Languages. I echo the statements of other colleagues when I say Caroline was one of the warmest, kindest, genuine and professional people you a were ever likely to meet. Whether you bumped into her in the corridor, or saw her in the office, her first words would always be 'how are you' and she always seemed genuinely interested in the response. On a more personal note, when I suffered the loss of my partner to cancer a few years ago, Caroline was one of the first colleagues to offer her condolences and give me a big hug. When I did the pretty muddy race for life in aid of cancer research in 2015 with some of the other girls from the office, Caroline was sat on a bench up on the downs near the finish line waiting to congratulate us and to take a photo of us with our medals. That is a personal memory that I hold very dear and sums up the kind of person Caroline was. Losing Caroline has been a huge shock and she will be sorely missed. My heart goes out to Caroline's family and friends.

I was so very sorry to hear the news about Caroline - she was a wonderfully supportive and enthusiastic colleague and will be much missed at the University. I'll remember her fondly.

I had the pleasure (and it really was a pleasure) of working with Caroline on the SLAS committee over a number of years, first as ordinary committee members, then with Caroline as elected Vice-President and President, posts in which I followed her. Over all that time, Caroline was consistently kind, considerate and thoughtful - a real people person. I'll always remember her as deeply caring, highly intelligent and simply good company. Any conversation with Caroline left you feeling the world was a better place, and that your place in it was better than you thought. I'll miss her.

Like so many others here, the news of Caroline's unexpected and sudden passing away shocked and saddened me. I had lost contact with her during the last years, as I left the U.K. in 2008. But over the past eleven years since I often wished to share a moment with her and I often found myself in an imaginary conversation with her, talking about what happened in our lives during these years. It never occurred to me that that moment might never come, until it was too late. I had these imaginary conversations with her, the long distance notwithstanding, because I so valued her warmth and kindness, which always made people feel immediately at ease and at home, but also her gentle and thoughtful opinions and advice, which for being so measured were always more meaningful to me than those of others. I first met Caroline as I was finishing my PhD in History at UCL in 2006. She created the possibility for me to teach at HiPLA at a time when I had difficulties transitioning out of my PhD into the academic job market. In some ways, I therefore owe my career to her and I will always be grateful to her for that. But it will be, above all, the personal conversations I had with her in her office in Woodland Road and in the home she had made with Richard in Clifton that I will remember and that outlive her premature death. She had a profound decency, graciousness and benevolence towards others (in my case a very junior scholar), and humaneness. I will miss you Caroline, as in fact I have missed you for a few years. Warmth and kindness in life may have the nefarious side effect of exacerbating tragedy and grief in death for those closest to her, who survive her. My thoughts are with them and I wish that one day they can overcome their sadness and find the strength to feel lucky to have known her. Michael

For me, having just arrived in the School in the year when she was on research leave, Caroline was one of the persons I was looking forward to working with in the coming year. I remember vividly the questions she posed during my job interview -- probing and with seriousness of purpose, but also with a sparkle in her eyes that put one at ease. I knew she was a key member of the school, with considerable experience at all levels and bags of wisdom. She also did fantastic research on topics that intersected with my work. I was anticipating a discussion about disaster theory, perhaps some fruitful exchanges based on our respective experiences from different regions of the world. She left us much too soon -- there was so much to talk about – and her absence leaves a huge gap, but she will also remain in our conversations, memories, and values, so she will continue to inspire what we do. -- Andreas

Dear Caroline and Richard, What I remember above all is the warm and generous welcome we received from you both when we first came to Bristol, along with Caroline's kindness to our children. You will be sorely missed. Best wishes Natasha

Like others here, I came to know Caroline best in recent years, as School Education Director when I had oversight of teaching for German. Among so many of the qualities she showed in abundance then -- wisdom, foresight, empathy, diplomacy -- one thing stands out. We never had a meeting to discuss the trials and tribulations of teaching planning and student life at which Caroline didn't ask "and how are *you*?" This, for me, sums Caroline up in that part of her work: at the heart of it all was individual care and concern for students and colleagues. It was a joy to get to know her better personally and as a researcher, too, in those years, all too belatedly, as it now turns out. Thank you, Caroline, for being a force for good, a colleague one could trust implicitly and who was always ready to share a laugh. Rest in peace.

I was fortunate enough to meet Caroline in 2014 in her capacity as President of SLAS when I was co-chair of PILAS (Post-graduates in Latin American Studies). I really appreciated the keen interest that she took in me and the other PhD student members of the PILAS committee. It was inspiring to learn from someone who was so sharp and talented intellectually and also kind and encouraging of younger scholars. My thoughts are with her family and friends. Megan Ryburn

I encountered Caroline many times during my years at the university, sometimes in difficult situations. I was always impressed by her sense of fairness and of wanting to do the best for people. Quite simply - I liked her very much.

I mainly worked with Caroline in her role as School Education Director. She was the perfect person for this role, always passionate about ensuring we did the very best for our students, and always going the extra mile. She was a dedicated, warm and generous colleague, who always made time to talk things through and had the empathy to appreciate different people's points of view. I would have loved the opportunity to work more closely with her, and remember how delighted I was when I discovered that, quite by chance, our externalling stints at Newcastle University overlapped. It says something about how busy academic life is that we had some of our best catch-ups over hotel breakfasts in Newcastle, but for a couple of years those breakfasts were a much-anticipated treat. She was one of those rare spirits who always seemed to manage to make difficult times better through her sheer warmth and humour, and she will be very sadly missed. RIP Caroline - taken from us much too soon.

I have never had the opportunity to work closely with Caroline but you could see miles away what a beautiful person she was. She was an example to all of us with her sense of fairness, respect for others and professionalism. I shall miss her warmth and kindness.

Caroline's passing away is a terrible, devastating loss for all: family, colleagues, friends. I will always remember her and her strength. She was one of the most passionate women I have ever met, with a huge sense of justice so hard to find nowadays. Caroline will be greatly missed and never forgotten.

I met Caroline in 2012 as a PhD student. Even though she was not my supervisor, she was my internal examiner in my upgrade. I remember that I was a bit scared at the beginning, but then she made me feel really confortable, giving me wise advice and insightful feedback with care and kindness. After that, she was always concerned about my progress and asked me quite often about my life in Bristol and my family. The last time I saw her was in July 2018. We talked about my life back in Chile and my personal projects. She seemed genuinely happy about this, always smiling... Thanks for all, Caroline. Andrés.

I saw Caroline's genuine concern and care for the students when she was deputy Head of School. In the extenuating circumstances committee she should real sensitivity towards the students, and also concern for flagging colleagues attending marathon sessions. she was both practical and thoughtful in the way she carried out her responsibilities.

I remember Caroline as a very caring and kind colleague and teacher during my first years working in Bristol (since 2014). She was always friendly and willing to stop for a chat about how things were going in work and - most importantly - in life beyond Woodland Road. She was calm, modest and extremely diligent in her work, and clearly an accomplished scholar and teacher. She will be very deeply missed and I send sincere condolences to her friends and family.

Caroline, thank you for all your help and kindness throughout the years. You will be truly missed, as a colleague and as a friend.

Caroline was just the best. Her rare qualities of compassion, thoughtfulness and good humour made her an inspirational lecturer and wonderful mentor. I was lucky enough to have been taught by Caroline during my Hispanic Studies degree at Bristol. Her classes were always lively and inclusive; she always pushed us to think harder and resist easy conclusions. She was also always forgiving of our student bleary eyes in Friday morning seminars... I read in her her obituary how elegant she was. It hadn't occurred to me before but that's exactly how she was: elegant and graceful in every way. Elegant in her opinions, her speech, her style and in her work. She was the person who took me aside and gently suggested I considered postgraduate studies. I did not have the self-belief at the time, but the fact that Dr Caroline Williams believed in me meant everything to me. It is down to her that I completed my PhD in Indigenous History this year. I owe her a huge amount and I will miss her. My thoughts are with her family.

Caroline was my friend, my co-conspirator, and my informal mentor. My enduring memory of Caroline will be her getting animated about politics over red wine and dinner at home with her wonderful husband and sister. Either that, or pressing me to *just one beer* as we tried to think through the logistics of running a research network. She met every situation with tact, dedication and dignity, even when others didn't. Even after weeks, it's still hard to think of a few words that express a relationship with someone. Maybe one day I'll manage to write one of the half-dozen joint articles we talked about but never got around to.

I worked with Caroline in her role as Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning in SML from 2016-18. As others have mentioned, Caroline was scrupulous in her attention to detail when it came to preparing for Extenuating Circumstances Committees and Exam Boards. I was often struck by her compassion when taking in to account the impact of difficult circumstances on students’ studies. Caroline always had time for the Professional Services team and made the effort to greet each person whenever she entered or left the office. She gave value to every person and every task in front of her.

I was so sad to hear of Caroline's passing. It was always a pleasure to see her and experience her collegiality. I will think of her often as I'm walking through the Faculty. Ellen

Caroline was a founding board member of the Centre for Environmental Humanities, and I got to know her through our meetings, events and trips. I admired her enormously, not only for her experience and wisdom, but for her kindness, gentleness, and wicked sense of humour. Seeing Caroline brightened any day at work. I hope she knew how much we all appreciated her. I'll miss her terribly and will think of her often. Rest in peace, Caroline.

A bright, warm, caring colleague: it was a shock to hear that you’d gone. I’ll miss you. Evan

I consider myself very lucky to have been a student of Caroline’s and read the news of her passing with great sadness. She was an unfailingly kind, thoughtful and dedicated tutor. Her classes were wonderful. My thoughts with those close to her.

I read the news of Caroline's passing with some shock and much sadness. Like many others, my main contacts with Caroline as a colleague were encounters in corridors, although she was a willing and enthusiastic member of the teaching team for a graduate course I coordinated early in my time at Bristol some ten years ago. But even in brief moments - at the back of 15 Woodland Road, or standing waiting for a coffee in a nearby cafe, Caroline was unfailingly friendly, sympathetic - a genuinely caring colleague. I send my condolences to her family and friends.

Caroline was my tutor at Bristol where I studied Spanish and Latin American studies. She was a wonderfully kind and thoughtful mentor and I am so sorry to hear of her passing. Wishing her family and friends all the best at what I am sure must be a difficult time.

I knew Caroline only briefly, but long enough to understand how valued, respected and loved she was in our department and in the wider university community. She was unfailingly supportive as I got used to my new post, reminiscing over the pressures of lecture-writing and always reassuring me that things would turn out alright. A conversation with Caroline always left me with a smile on my face. Her dedication, scholarly rigour and kindness will be sorely missed

I met Caroline principally through our respective roles on University Appeal Panels. What a lovely person! Caroline had the ability to sift through the, frequently extensive, paperwork and always remind the panel that an anxious, unhappy or sometimes unwell student was awaiting the appeal decision. This very personal consideration of students, as the panel sought to apply the Regulations fairly, epitomises for me Caroline's character and personality. I'm very sorry to hear of her passing.

I'm so sorry to hear of Caroline's passing. I never had the privilege of working with her directly, but our paths occasionally crossed in Woodland Road where she was DHTL in Modern Languages and I was a SAM in Humanities and then the Faculty Office. She was always very friendly and approachable, and someone I very much wish I'd had time and opportunity to know better. My best wishes to everyone missing Caroline at this time.

Early on in my time at Bristol, I had an office in 15 Woodland Road, and I often used to bump into Caroline coming in and out of the building. I have such happy memories of our chats on the steps of no 15. Caroline had such a warmth about her, and a wonderful way of creating a special moment, even if you were both rushing off to teach a seminar or leaving the office late after a tough day. It was always such a pleasure to see her, whether in the corridor, at a Faculty meeting or at graduation. She was wise, kind, generous, and great fun in equal measure. I will miss her hugely and my heart goes out to her family and friends who have lost her far too soon.

I was so shocked to hear of Caroline’s passing. She was always such a warm, friendly and compassionate presence. I worked with her as Director of Teaching when she was School Education Director. She handled the business of the role and the bureaucracy with endless patience and care. I was always struck by her commitment to what was best for SML, and her selflessness in supporting colleagues. She will be much missed and I send my condolences to her family. I hope that the knowledge of how valued she was will be a comfort to them. Catherine O’Rawe

Caroline was one of the kindest and most selfless people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. From the day I met Caroline at my interview for Bristol (where she instantly put me at ease with a smile and words of reassurance), she was and endless source of support, guidance and friendship. One moment that I'll always remember, that encapsulates Caroline's thoughtfulness for me, is when I moved house and arrived to find a beautiful bouquet of flowers sent from Caroline. She is an inspiration and is very sorely missed.

I was so very sorry to hear the sad news about Caroline's untimely passing. We worked together, in particular, on the Arts Faculty research funding committee a decade ago. Caroline was a kind, thoughtful and wise colleague, and those were good times at a stage when, for many reasons, the outlook for languages was bleak and we felt under siege. There was a real sense of fun and collegiality when Caroline was around, allied with complete professionalism and seriousness. I had not seen Caroline for a number of years since my retirement from Bristol in 2011, but she remains in the memory as a special colleague. Her passing is a sad and terrible loss.

My memories of being part of the Society for Latin American Studies committee are so bound up with Caroline that it's hard for me to think of SLAS without thinking of Caroline. Each of those memories is of Caroline's warmth and humour, of her listening and offering support. During the Aberdeen SLAS conference, when I was down about some organising aspect or other that hadn't been just as I wanted it, Caroline sat with me, listened and made me feel better. I can see her sitting at that table with me, and enjoying herself at that conference dinner the night before. She created and shared community. She will be sorely missed.

I was sadden to hear this news of Caroline. I worked with her briefly while in Hispanic Studies but she was always so warm and friendly. Many an evening was spent over dinner, chatting into the late hours - and she always had a lovely bar of chocolate tucked away for a treat.

Caroline was ever the most supportive of faculty colleagues, invariably with the advice one needed, and a wonderful team member. Much more than that, she was great company - always able to put everything back into perspective and proportion over a drink after a long meeting. So positive, so much fun to work with, and so good at seeing the right answer. A huge privilege to have been her colleague. Thank you, Caroline.

When I look back on my time as Dean Caroline is one of the colleagues who stand out in my memory. At the time we were instituting far-reaching reforms in the Faculty, with many intense discussions and sharply divergent views. Caroline's contributions were always thoughtful, measured and thoroughly professional, with the best interests of everyone in mind. I valued that tremendously. And just bumping into her and chatting about this and that was always a bright spot in any day. I shall miss her very much and send the most heartfelt sympathy to her family.

Caroline was one of the kindest colleagues I had the pleasure to work with. We sat through many a committee together which were always made better because she was there. She was insightful, perceptive, astute, humorous, thoughtful and more and I'm not sure how to do justice to such a wonderful person in just a few words. I certainly won't forget her. She has inspired many, me included, and my thoughts are with her loved ones. I can't believe she is gone.

Caroline was a warm, insightful and generous colleague and I always looked forward to a meeting when I knew that she would be present. She was a truly inter-disciplinary thinker and very patient with someone who gave up history aged 14. I learnt a lot from her. I was deeply shocked and saddened to hear of her sudden passing - it is a huge loss for our community but of course above all my thoughts are with her family. I will think of her often but especially when working on Guatemalan volcanoes and when I hear tango music - I am sad, amongst all else, that we never did make it to a tango club together as we (maybe jokingly) planned. She will be greatly missed. Tamsin

I clearly remember the first time I met Caroline, a few weeks after I started at Bristol, in the autumn of 1999, at a meeting of the School's admissions tutors. I was very inexperienced, eager but bewildered, and I remember that she took time to talk to me, encourage me and make me feel part of things. I perhaps only now realise that, amid all the formal induction and assertion of standards and expectations, she was for me that first, wise colleague that every new academic needs to encounter, who teaches you perspective and shows you how all the varied tasks and responsibilities can be done well without going mad. Over the years I worked with Caroline more and less closely on various committees and she was always the same, patient, kind, generous with her time and thoughts, always ready to smile about the craziness of it all, and invariably right about the situation and appropriate course of action. Then in 2017 I took over from her as the School's Deputy Head for Teaching and Learning, and she was once again taking the time to advise me, always available to lend perspective and reassure that it was a job that was worth doing and could be done. Like everyone writing here, I simply cannot believe that Caroline is gone, and I just hope that her family and friends can find some comfort in reading how much she was appreciated and admired by so many of us.

I worked closely with Caroline in the School of Modern Languages, when she was Deputy Head of Teaching and Learning and I was Undergraduate Programme Coordinator for Russian (2016-18). Caroline performed a very demanding role with a seemingly never-ending supply of patience and generosity of spirit. She exuded a warmth and sparkle that would instantly brighten the mood of a room, even on a dark November morning. She worked tirelessly and was immensely devoted to the students and to modern languages, and never lost sight of what was really important, nurturing and maintaining the human relationships that should be at the heart of the humanities, and at the heart of any community. Connor

So sorry to hear of the loss of Caroline, she was a very special person and always a pleasure to work with when we were involved in SLAS together. She was always great company and I looked forward to meeting up with her and spending time with her and will miss her. My thoughts are particularly with her family who she always spoke about as well as for all of those who had the privilege of knowing her. Jasmine

I got to know Caroline when I joined the School of Modern Languages in 2012 and worked closely with her over four years when she was School Education Director. It is hard to accept that I won’t run into her on the corridor again and that we won’t agree to “catch up soon”. She was universally liked and respected by both students and colleagues. I will remember her wisdom and diplomacy with fondness. Caroline was a great help to others in challenging times, and I admired her level-headedness and strength of character in tackling difficult moments with audiences both large and small. I am grateful for her example and her insights. It was a privilege to have known and worked with her. We will miss her. Ian

I feel privileged to have known Caroline. She was a lovely person and a wonderful colleague. Unfortunately, I did not have the opportunity to work with her for very long, but I know that new colleagues – including myself – very much benefited from her advice and support on joining the University. She was a very warm, welcoming and calm presence within the School of Modern Languages. Her passing is such a loss for us in HiPLA and across the university. Before meeting Caroline in person, I became aware of her huge commitment to our field when she was president of the Society of Latin American Studies. I remember that she was very encouraging throughout the organisation leading up to the 2015 Postgraduates in Latin American Studies conference, which everyone on the committee really appreciated. My thoughts remain with Caroline and with all of her loved ones.

Dearest Caroline, Friendship is a very special gift and how I have loved and flourished with yours! You have been my best friend for most of my life. Loving, supportive, loyal and unconditional from when we first met in 1982 as undergraduates, to extending that same level of love, support and encouragement to my son - your and Richard's godson - in his own university applications, just days before you passed away. Thank you for your friendship, your kindness, your generosity. For your loyalty, your support, your love and ... for being my friend. You have brought many people much happiness. You have been one of the most important people in my life; your friendship has meant the world to me and I have been so lucky to have known you. I shall treasure you in my heart, always. May you now rest in peace, dearest Caroline.

As a Faculty officer, I encountered colleagues in other departments in rather odd circumstances; and, since my role was often to tell people to do things and make changes they didn't want to, or to stop doing things they did want to, relationships could be strained. Caroline was one of the great exceptions, always reasonable and willing to listen, and always civil and respectful of other people's good intentions even in difficult circumstances. It was a great pleasure to work with her, and then to meet and talk as friends; she was one of the people I missed when I left Bristol, and whom I would certainly have wanted to look up if I ever got round to visiting again - and this is a powerful reminder that you *can't* simply take it for granted that people will still be around when you happen to get round to thinking of them.

I didn't work with Caroline on a daily basis when I was in the Faculty Manager in Arts but I considered her one of the colleagues who made it such a good place to work. She was warm, helpful, insightful and very sensible, guaranteed to help you find a solution to even the trickiest of conundrums. Her concern for, and commitment to her students was evident. There were some tough times in HiPLA but through it all Caroline was measured, professional and humane, whatever she was feeling inside. When I moved elsewhere in the University, I loved bumping into Caroline (particularly along the back corridor in Arts) as we caught up and found out how each of us were doing. I find it hard to believe that those chance but warm and friendly encounters will be no more. That's as nothing to the loss of her family and close friends. She is missed. Paula

Caroline was immensely helpful when offering advice and support to new lecturers in the School of Modern Languages. I only knew her for a short period but she was always so generous and warm in her manner and communications, and it was very clear that she was an inspiring teacher and a wonderful academic and colleague. My heart goes out to all of her family, friends, HiPLA colleagues and the SML community. Thinking of you all x Albertine

Caroline was a kind and encouraging person who was a great source of support to me as one of her undergraduates - she and Sally-Ann felt like friends even then. I learnt so much from her when I took her Spiritual Children course and even went to an exhibition in London on Latin American religious iconographic art on my own impetus (she borrowed the DVD of it and we agreed she could keep it indefinitely when she found she still had it eight years or so later!!) I know how much her family and colleague meant to her and I will desperately miss her and our catch ups in the Woodland Road complex corridors over the years as I completed my BA, MA, and, soon, my PhD in our wonderful department.

I have many happy memories of Caroline, particularly when sat in one of the many school committee meetings and she would catch my eye with a twinkle in her eyes and make me smile. She will be much missed, and I always valued the support and encouragement she gave me. A lovely person.

Caroline represented the best of our community: a rigorous scholar, a committed teacher, and an indefatigably collegial member of the team whose compassion and poise would always bring a reassuring presence into any environment or situation. Of the various fond memories I have during the 13 years in which I was fortunate enough to work with her, I will always remember a winter's night when Bristol's buses had been gridlocked in the city centre and the two of us -- having happened upon one another by chance -- shared a cab home instead. It had been a particularly long day, but Caroline's company and her humour warmed up the cold evening and helped to draw a welcome line under the previous nine or so hours. She will be sorely missed and rightly mourned by us all, and my thoughts are with her family and her HiPLA colleagues. Thank you, Caroline. -Bradley

My dear Caroline, I still can’t quite believe that you’re not with us anymore. I feel lucky to have met you, but wish we had had more time together. We were only starting to get to know each other and develop a friendship. I wanted you to meet my daughter Emma and partner Mark, and wanted us to meet Richard – someone very special to you whom you so often talked about that I feel I know him a little :) I miss you, and will always remember you with love and affection.

I wish I'd had more time to get to know Caroline better. I can't remember when I first met Caroline, but she always felt familiar to me – she had such a warm and caring radiance. She will be missed by colleagues and students.

Caroline was a fiercely committed scholar who valued integrity, rigour and justice in everything she did. She mentored me when I first arrived in Bristol, opening her office and her home and supporting me and other junior colleagues as we took our first steps in the university. As a colleague she set a very high bar in terms of interaction with students and patience with the frustrations of institutional bureaucracy. It is very hard to imagine the Department of Hispanic, Portuguese and Latin American Studies without her. In difficult situations I will always continue to ask what Caroline would have done. She will be very sadly missed but she leaves us with many memories.

Rest well, Caroline. You were a wonderful colleague and friend. Thank you, in particular, for your wisdom and enthusiasm at the very start of my postgraduate career. Andy

Dear Caroline, I have been privileged with your friendship for more than 12 years. You were one of the nicest, kindest and most generous persons I have ever met. You also had a great sense of humour. It always baffled me (coming from another country) that you were always prepared to take with a smile (a no complaint at all) whatever life and work threw at you. You will be much missed. Paco (Alison and Rachel)

I am not sure whether students will have access to this page, so wanted to add something from a former student with whom I have maintained contact, as I feel it represents the thoughts of many others: "I was very shocked and saddened to hear about Caroline passing away ... She really was a heroine of the department."

I shall remember Caroline with deep affection as one of the kindest, most generous-spirited and hard-working colleagues it was my pleasure to have known. She has left us too soon.

I met Caroline shortly after coming to Bristol in 2010 and worked closely with her between 2012 and 2015. She was the kindest and most thoughtful colleague, always careful to put students' needs first, and to use her amazing diplomatic skills to make sure the pressures of academic life were smoothed out. I had the opportunity to listen to her talk about her research, too, which always seemed fascinating even to someone whose field is so different. I liked Caroline very much indeed. I trusted her implicitly, and looked forward to meeting with her, whether for the purposes of work or just for a cup of coffee. I can't quite believe that she has been taken from her family and colleagues so suddenly and far too soon. We were fortunate to know her and she will always be remembered. Robert

I was deeply saddened when I learned of Caroline’s premature passing. She was such a generous and caring colleague who was always very supportive. I have very fond memories of working with her on the School’s Teaching & Learning Committee. Exam Boards chaired by Caroline were much more enjoyable due to her great sense of humour and sense for fairness. She’ll be missed.

My first memorable encounter with Caroline was during her interview for a research fellowship in Channel Islands history at UCL. Here she showed the qualities of warmth and humour, as well as tenacity, adaptability and dedication, which sustained her. Today she is remembered fondly at UCL by former colleagues, some of them not connected with either Spanish and Latin American history or that of the Channel Islands. Caroline was encouraged to set up three short courses in Spanish American history. These filled a significant gap in the History Department's teaching programme, and enjoyed considerable success among undergraduates. All who knew her at UCL were delighted both that the fellowship gave rise to a substantial monograph about the Channel Islands, and that her research at Warwick and her teaching experiences at UCL combined to persuade her interviewers at Bristol that she was the right person for a lectureship. I was anxious for some time that the shift from Warwick to UCL might be a mistake for Caroline, but, as I came to know her better, I recognised that the tenure of the research fellowship was a useful transitional phase in her life. I was one of many friends who enjoyed the warm hospitality of Caroline and Richard both in West London and then in Bristol. Like all her friends and family, I was shocked to learn of the premature passing of Caroline. Indeed, I am still recoiling from the sad news. Christopher Abel UCL

Caroline and I were writing a book together. It was to be a family biography covering three generations of Hodgsons, eighteenth-century British colonials who resided upon the Mosquito Shore in modern Caribbean Honduras and Nicaragua, but who were also residents of Bristol, Bath, and London. Once we acquired a set of over 300 documents relating to the family that no scholar had ever seen, Caroline became very close, almost spiritually, to several of the female authors within the document collection, characters absent from much of our previous scholarship concerning the Mosquito Shore. With these documents to hand, she brought a gendered concern to our work that was critical to the story that needed to be told. She did this not because she was a woman but because she was an insightful and shrewd scholar who cared deeply about her work. She also knew how to make the documents reveal questions I had not even thought to ask. What I will remember most about Caroline is how she kept stressing our responsibility to tell the Hodgson story, to bring the lives and times of the Hodgsons to life. Her commitment to scholarly research, her attention to detail, and her method for putting notes into a concise narrative were wonderful to behold and a revelation to me. May she rest in peace. Karl Offen, Oberlin College, Ohio, USA Aug. 24, 2019

I had the good fortune to know Caroline for her 25 years at Bristol University, first as a colleague in my role as Subject Librarian for HiPLA and later, as a friend. As a colleague, she was gentle and professional and consummately courteous and considerate. She was also, however, much more than this and as I got to know her better, I found that Caroline was also sincere, principled, warm, caring and compassionate. In conversations over coffee and lunches, we talked about matters ranging from university business to family bereavements and our shared sense of the comfort that faith can bring at times of bereavement. I still find it hard to believe that she has been taken from her loved ones so prematurely and can only offer my deepest sympathy to Richard, Stephanie and all her family and I hope that they can find some comfort in the knowledge that she was so well regarded and loved by so many. Caroline’s last words to me when I visited her in hospital a few weeks before she died were “And thank you for the prayers”. Rest in peace, dear Caroline. Sent by Emer

My memories of Caroline are of a warm, caring person whose face was illuminated from within by her kindness; of a conscientious, helpful colleague for whom nothing was ever too much; of someone blessed with ironic humour when faced with the absurdities of academic life; and of an unwaveringly supportive friend who helped me through an immensely difficult, painful time with her quiet concern and thoughtfulness. The academic world can ill afford to lose someone of her intellect and humanity; as can the world in general. Anne Simon

Caroline was a person of great professional, and personal, integrity. She was principled, tenacious, and fearless. She was a superb Deputy Head of School and Education Director, and I was deeply grateful to her for her prodigious hard work, her sure expertise, and her keen insights. Caroline's exciting collaboration with the Bristol earth scientists was bringing a whole new dimension to her research, and to interdisciplinary research generally. Caroline was justly proud of her distinguished service as President of the Society of Latin American Studies. Professional to her fingertips, Caroline brought generosity, warmth and a keen sense of fun to everything she did. She sparkled! We all feel sorely the injustice of her early death. I miss Caroline, and I will remember her always with deep admiration and affection.

It is so hard to believe that we shall never see Caroline again, and that she has gone from us so suddenly. The only consolation is that I have very many happy memories of working with Caroline and very often laughing with her as we made our way through the day's business. Caroline and I often found ourselves paired in various university activities and responsibilities, and Caroline was always the best support anyone could hope for, in good times and more difficult times. I was extremely fortunate in the years she served as School Education Director, always reliable, and often able to show me the better way of doing things. She supported her colleagues with great friendship and was a natural centre of gravity, known and admired far beyond her department and School. She had great compassion, had creative and thoughtful solutions to difficult problems, she was imaginative and dedicated, went the extra mile, and beyond, when required, never stinted with her time, and always displayed the greatest good humour and a healthy perspective on life. Perhaps most importantly, she had great integrity and she cared very greatly about her students and her colleagues. She gave of herself unstintingly, made the job fun and kept us focused on the things that really mattered. To have lost Caroline in the prime of her life and at the start of a new peak in her career is an unimaginably bitter blow, professionally and personally. But I am certain that her spirit will live on among those of us who knew her and worked with her, that we will still hear her laughter, and that she will continue to inspire us to be the best that we can be - which seemed to me to be the approach that Caroline took to everything in her own work and life.

Caroline's been there my whole life, and even now I don't think it's truly set in that she's gone. She was always so kind and caring, never forgetting my or my sister's birthdays as we grew up, and always stopping to say hello and ask how I was doing whenever I saw her around when I was a student at Bristol. Little things like those just meant so much, and I can't believe that such a loving soul has been taken from us so abruptly. Caroline, you will be greatly missed.

I have known Caroline since she joined the Society of Latin American Studies committee in, I believe, 2007. She then became vice-president in 2011, president in 2013, and past president in 2015. Her love of the Society, its informality, friendliness and yet also efficiency, and her commitment to it were immense. And so was her conscientiousness. I will always remember the committee meeting at Aberdeen. Caroline had a very serious cold and I had offered to deputise, but she would not allow that and wanted to lead in the preparation of the conference. She was also in charge, when the golden jubilee conference took place in London, with about 350 attendees, which must be a record in the history of SLAS. This meeting, organised by Jasmine Gideon's team at Birkbeck, with contributions from ILAS and IA, was a major success, not least due to Caroline's prudent and energetic leadership. She was always a great strategic thinker, but also an excellent listener, profoundly honest and polite, and always keen to include everybody into deliberations and decision-making. During Lucy Taylor and Caroline's presidencies, SLAS and BLAR faced an existential threat from the Open Access agenda, because subscription fees for BLAR are the Society's main source of revenue. Again, Caroline showed extraordinary diplomatic skills in negotiating with stakeholders and defend the interests and future of the Society. She also showed great leadership in the support of institutions and colleagues who were threatened by restructurings. When SLAS was asked whether it would be interested in taking on the management of the Standing Conference of Centres of Latin American Studies in the UK, the committee unanimously accepted this task, and Caroline was one of the strongest supporters. We wanted to make some changes which were to help develop the field in the UK. Any institution with at least 5 colleagues in the same or different departments researching or teaching Latin America should be invited to apply; this would give them exposure and might help them institutionalise the field(s) at their universities - as it happened at Westminster. There would be not one, but two, meetings every year to give the Standing Conference momentum, and a Steering Committee would support the Chair. We also wanted to focus on strategic issues, such as institutional restructurings, undergraduate and postgraduate recruitment, the Research and Teaching Excellence Frameworks, and the implications of austerity and Brexit. Finally, we wished to invite policy-makers. The office of Chair would rotate with that of Past President of SLAS, and Caroline became the first incumbent during a transitory period and drafted the new Constitution. When I became Chair, she continued to support me as member of the Steering Committee, once again with enormous commitment and generosity. Since her University would not fund two trips to Newcastle, she paid for one herself. Caroline was absolutely dedicated to support postgraduates and postdocs, be it at her university or through SLAS and PILAS. One postdoc, Dr Silvia Espelt Bombim, who defended her doctorate at Newcastle, then replaced me during my AHRC fellowship, and eventually worked with Caroline at Bristol, wrote: "She was a wonderful person, always extremely kind with me and supportive of my research." The consistent increase of SLAS bursaries for PGRs and postdocs, like Silvia, was very important to Caroline. She often talked about this. Yet, she was equally committed to UG studies and always a safe pair of hands in big administrative tasks. As Deputy Head of School at Bristol, she worked incessantly to restructure their programme. From 2013-17, Caroline was also external examiner for Latin American Studies at Newcastle, and everybody here not only respected her impeccable judgment, empathy with students, and collegiality; staff also loved her as a person. She made us review our at times too restrictive use of Firsts, but also told us what positive experiences from Newcastle she will take to Bristol and try to apply. Her death is premature in so many ways. I had told Caroline that she should apply for a professorship. It was overdue, in my view. Not only was she a leading colonial historian of Latin America, who had won the Tibesar Prize of the US-based Conference on Latin American History for the best article published in 'The Americas' in 2014; she also established a great working relationship with volcanologists at Bristol. This project, which focused on Central America and received external funding, bridged the Humanities and natural sciences in a very innovative and rare way. She sent me a first article that resulted from this project and is fascinating. I asked her to report to the Standing Conference about this research. Caroline loved working in this all-female and mutually supportive team. Above all else, Caroline was a wonderful human being, modest, attentive, caring, charming, with a good dose of dry humour. She very quickly became a very good friend of mine. When she came to Newcastle as external examiner or for Standing Conference, I usually met her the day before in the Royal Station Hotel. In this Victorian listed building, with its old-world charm, we talked about 'God and the world', as Germans say. Caroline loved a glass of good red wine, her Argentinean roots, as she explained with a captivating smile, and a cigarette from time to time. Most recently she lost her mother, and she suffered from this loss. I think her religious beliefs helped her in this difficult situation. But she would also celebrate life and always see its bright sides. I am very sad, knowing that I will not see dear Caroline again, but she will have a special place in my memory and heart, and I know that she will look down at us and make sure that her loved ones do well and that SLAS will progress. Jens

I first met Caroline about 25 years ago, when I was made to feel like an honorary member of the Hispanic Studies Department at the University of Bristol. Caroline always made me feel so welcome, and since then both she and Richard have been part of the family. She was always so generous, kind, and giving. Although I never worked directly with her, she was always enthusiastic about her activities at the university and was a well-liked teacher, undertaking such interesting research. She was taken from us far too soon and will be deeply missed.

I have known Caroline my whole life, and I cannot believe she’s gone. She was a beloved ‘auntie’ to me, always loving, thoughtful, caring, and supportive of whatever I was up to. She was a brilliant historian who I looked up to as a role model and for advice as I planned my history training at university, and I will continue to think of her and all she accomplished as I go forward with my career. She had such a warm smile that shone brightly through her eyes. She will be deeply missed but I will always remember how loving and kind she was. Annabel Hancock Xx

Like everyone else in the School, the Faculty and beyond, I was very taken aback to learn about Caroline's illness and death at what seems like such a young age. She was a wise, pleasant, patient, and collegial presence in Woodland Road. The last time I saw her was probably when she acted as orator for the honorary degree awarded to the inspirational Baroness Amos. Thanks for that, Caroline, and thanks too for being such a supportive and kind colleague over the last couple of decades. Judith Bryce

I knew Caroline through her work with SLAS (Society for Latin American Studies). She was a wonderful colleague on the committee - she really helped me through a difficult issue that we had to deal with by supporting me, spending time talking things through and offering the very best advice, generously given. Caroline was a rigorous, perceptive, open, supportive academic but more than anything, just a wonderful person to be with. She was so warm and generous, kind and sympathetic - and lots of fun! We shared many a glass of red wine at SLAS conferences, breakfasts, lunches - and even the odd dance-floor! I shall remember her warmth and laughter, and her deep love for Richard, Stephanie and her mum who she so clearly cherished. Latin American Studies - and the world - is a poorer place for her loss.

I had been fortunate enough to have worked with Caroline for 17 years. First as departmental administrator in HiPLA and then as School Manager. I have much to thank and be grateful for to Caroline. My first true encounter was at interview for the HiPLA role and Caroline immediately put me at ease with her kind and gentle manner, and was instrumental in giving me a job – with the help of Sally-Ann and David Hook of course. At that time the department had a large and busy student and staff admin office hub with a sofa, pigeon-holes, copier and makeshift kitchen. With comings and goings all day it could be very noisy, but always friendly. It was always a pleasure to see Caroline and she would always have time for a chat, to give advice or have a kind word when life’s ups and downs presented themselves. Caroline was meticulous in her scrutiny and fairness, both in HiPLA roles and as School Education Director, and her influence as an exceptional role model impacts still on myself, and for others she has worked with. Caroline was always generous with her time and caring for special occasions, treasured always. Caroline was a good friend and colleague and as I look out of my office window in No.15 I look up and see Caroline’s office, it brings sadness and comfort but also good memories of someone who is loved and who I miss very much. Bless you sweet Caroline, you deserved so much more.

I met Caroline one evening in 2012, we were leaving the School and heading home. We walked together and introduced each other... I had just lost my brother to an illness... I remember telling Caroline about my loss and deep sadness ... she listened to me with sympathy and genuine warmth which were two of her great qualities. Caroline was always very kind and supportive during the year that I taught Spanish for Business. She was always there when I needed to discuss something with her. I will always remember her smiling. Life is not kind or fair sometimes. Lovely people sometimes get taken too soon, and illness is indiscriminate. I feel very privileged to have known Caroline. I will always remember her. Beatriz

An incredible woman who will be sorely missed. Thank you for working with me and giving me advice. It was much appreciated and I never got to properly thank you for that. You are in my thoughts. RIP Xx

Caroline was the epitome of elegance. She looked so elegant, often with a beautiful scarf as the finishing touch to her style. She spoke elegantly - with warm enthusiasm but also such thoughtfully-chosen and beautiful words. She wrote elegantly - carefully and considerately giving human voice to words that needed translating for today’s world. She had such a lovely wry sense of humour. I can’t help but smile remembering some of her classic comments, or when I see reference to 'lego academics' for example. Combining that humour, with her common sense, and the resilience instilled by her upbringing in Argentina, she'd inevitably come up with elegant solutions to problems we’d ponder on together. I learnt so much from her. Dr Erica Hendy

To my dearest friend Caroline: for the last 25 years, I have been so privileged to call you my friend and it has been an honour, though one I so very much wish I had not had, to create this tribute site for you. You were always there for me, through the happy times to celebrate together and through the hard times, to support me. We were ‘joined at the hip’ in facing challenges, together an unbeatable force against falsehoods and injustices, and I am so desperately sorry that together with your other loving friends and family, I couldn’t help you to fight this last huge injustice. You will always be in my heart. Sally-Ann xxxxx

We hope that you find this tribute to Caroline a place of comfort, support and inspiration for you to visit whenever you want or need to.