Rose Gough

We are deeply saddened to share the news that Rose Gough, Lodge Porter, died earlier this month.

Rose has been a constant and welcoming presence at the entrance to Pembroke for almost ten years.  She was known and loved by generations of staff and students, and in turn made every member of our community, and our visitors, feel known and welcome.  Her striking ability to connect with anyone that walked through our doors gave her a special place in the Pembroke community.

Colleagues recall Rose’s first few weeks at Pembroke when she joined as the college’s first female porter ten years ago.  She made an immediate impact and was soon known across College for ‘her smile that lit up the Lodge’ and ‘her warmth and compassion that changed Pembroke for the better.’  Over the course of her time here, Rose welcomed generations of freshers, interview candidates, new staff, and so many others with that same smile and warmth.  She was always available for colleagues and students, not only as a source of practical help with College matters, but as a caring friend and a listening ear.  She is remembered for her ‘heart of gold’ and her love of life; her readiness to do anything for anyone, putting things right without a fuss; and for her signature smile and wave.

Rose’s presence in College and her love for people extended beyond the Lodge walls. She could be relied upon to turn up at every College garden party and every staff Christmas party, always the first to sign up and always the first onto the dance floor.  Her infectious energy, her joyful spirit, and her famous baked goods brought people together.

Rose will be deeply missed by everyone at Pembroke.  Her smile and her joy will live on in our memory and continue to bring together those that knew her.

Last week current and former members of staff came together, joined by members of Rose’s family, to remember and celebrate Rose.  The College flag was flown at half-mast in her honour.