• The University , Employee
  • 29/08/2023

In Memoriam | Leontien van Eijk-Bonekamp

With profound sadness and sorrow, we convey the news of the passing of our cherished colleague, Leontien van Eijk-Bonekamp, during the summer break on July 30th. Leontien had been battling a serious illness since late February. Regrettably, despite her valiant fight, she passed away sooner than anticipated.

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photo Privéfoto

Leontien was a highly esteemed colleague who held a pivotal role as a secretary in the Process and Product Design (PPD) group since April 1st, 2006, ensuring the seamless daily operations. Her unwavering diligence, dedication, and nurturing disposition contributed to the well-being of the entire team. She was always willing to extend a helping hand and advocate for her colleagues.

For both the PPD staff members and the trainees, Leontien was our rock, our unwavering support, the guiding force during tumultuous times. With her extensive experience and encyclopedic memory of protocols and contacts to navigate various situations, her contribution was immeasurable. She had a personal connection with almost all the trainees from their earliest days. She took joy in discussing this aspect and excelled at it. She embodied our collective memory.

Leontien displayed extraordinary care. She was like a "mother" to the PPD trainees. Occasionally, she even accompanied trainees to medical appointments when they needed assistance beyond mere pain relief. She also resolved housing issues for certain trainees who fell victim to scams upon their arrival in Eindhoven. She witnessed PPD-related weddings, particularly in Serbia, a nation she held a special fondness for, and she even knew PPD babies.

Her career at Eindhoven University of Technology began on July 1st, 2002, at the Library and Information Services department, where she started as a documentary information provision officer. Over time, she honed her skills, and on April 1st, 2006, she began working initially part-time, and later transitioned to working full-time as a secretary in the PPD group within the Department of Chemical Engineering and Chemistry. With a brief interlude, she continued in this role until her illness in February 2023, contributing tirelessly to our department. Additionally, she devoted a significant amount of energy to the Trade union.

Leontien was a splendid, amiable colleague who possessed a keen understanding of the human aspect, adored the Burgundian lifestyle (particularly Serbian cuisine), was exceedingly helpful, operated with remarkable systematic precision, and possessed exceptional organizational talents. Her absence will be deeply felt.

Prof.dr.ir. Martin van Sint Annaland EngD,
Professor Chemical Process Intensification, Scientific Director Product and Process Design

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