It is with great sadness that the Permanent Way Institution has announced the loss of dear friend and colleague, Alison Stansfield.
A long-time member and supporter of the PWI, Alison was a cornerstone of its community for many years. As PWI’s marketing director, Alison’s contribution to the growth of the Institution cannot be understated, and this was very much expressed at her retirement last year by David Packer and colleagues, including those from the London Section, of which she was a great part.
Alison remained close to the PWI, lending her skills and deep technical knowledge as PWI technical editor, and attending and supporting events. The news of her sudden decline in health came as a terrible shock to all.
She passed away peacefully at the end of June, at home, with her family beside her. Colleagues say they cannot describe their sadness over this loss, nor the high esteem and affection felt for Alison within the PWI and beyond, but they will endeavour to try. The executive team is organising a heartfelt tribute to her life and career, to be published in the October Journal. Journal manager Kerrie Illsley, a very close friend to Alison and her family, is also organising a Memorial Book.
“I have so many cherished memories of Alison, our friendship, mentorship and our giggles together,” said Kerrie. “I’d like to produce a Memorial Book to gift to her family and so I invite anyone who wishes to contribute written and / or photographic memories of Alison to email me at [email protected] by the end of November 2020.”
Anyone who would like assistance with their contribution should contact Kerrie who will arrange a call back.
All of the PWI executive and board will miss Alison deeply and their thoughts are with her family and friends at this time. Anyone wishing to mark her passing is asked to make a donation to the Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) Support Network, which helped Alison and her family at the end of her life (https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/alison-barbro-stansfield).
