Clare Fearon

I was so sorry to hear about Clare's illness and her passing. It has been hard looking across the corridor to her office and seeing it empty. Unfortunately, I have not worked with Clare as much as I would have liked, due to personal circumstances, during the past few years. But I remember when I first heard about her. Her PhD supervisor, William Outhwaite, had suggested she might be able to help with a conference we were organising, and that she would also be available for teaching. With that helping out at a research event, Clare quickly became an indispensable member of our team especially working with our undergraduate students. Softly spoken but knowledgeable, sharp, quick to learn, and very capable. I can still hear her laughter. I wish I could have known Clare for longer. My sincerest condolences to her family and friends.

I am so very saddened to hear that Clare has passed away, and I know that colleagues at Newcastle Sociology will miss her cheerful and caring presence. I was so privileged to have supervised Clare’s doctoral studies, along with William. Clare’s work on humour and political correctness made PhD supervision so much fun – so many comedians, cartoons, and Twitterstorms on the table that it was always difficult to get down to the studious business of analysis. An exemplary student, and later an outstanding colleague who worked hard to enrich her students and engage them with her unique insights on popular cultural topics. Clare and I shared – perhaps endured might be the more accurate thing to say – the annual coach trip to Leeds with our first year cohorts. Clare was always the best company to have on such long days; swapping notes on vegan substitutions, coffee in Café Nero, discussing soft furnishings, and I recall one occasion when we were consumed for the entire trip by our mutual dislike of Emily Thornberry. I will always remember Clare very fondly – kind, gentle, modest, and much loved. Sending all my good wishes and sincere condolences to Geoff and Clare’s family.

Clare will be missed so much by us all. She was always kind, supportive and considerate and had the best of laughs. My deepest condolences to all her loved ones. Rest in peace Clare x

Clare was a lovely, kind, warm and sincere person. She always prioritized the wellbeing of our students. I was lucky to get to know her and work with her. I'm sorry that she has been taken from her family and from our community at such a young age. Sending condolences to her family and friends.

I sadly didn't have the pleasure of working especially closely with Clare on any particular projects or activities, but, even so, it was always very clear to me that she had a hugely positive impact on the Sociology team. Our students benefited greatly from Clare's kindness and her expertise in equal measure, and as a colleague I am also thankful for the many ways in which Clare enriched our working culture. She is sadly missed, and my thoughts are with her partner, family and friends at this terribly difficult time. Clare is remembered with fondness and respect by all who knew her here at the University.

I was privileged to have worked closely with Clare on Student Staff Committee work during my time at Newcastle University as a student until 2024. She was always so kind and supportive, and excellent to have discussions with. Her dedication to the Sociology community and students like myself at Newcastle was second to none, and she will be sorely missed. Sending my sincere condolences to her family and friends.

Clare was a wonderful friend and colleague, I learnt so much from teaching with her and will miss her greatly. Students loved her. She was a very kind and generous to me, and I will miss our chats. Outside of work we bonded over a shared love of music, gigs, and old Hollywood. Clare will be greatly missed by the Sociology community. My sincere condolences to Geoff and your friends and family.

I was fortunate to work with Clare a number of times, supporting her as seminar tutor on her first-year module. She was calm, kind, and generous with her time and support. It was clear that she was deeply respected by both students and colleagues, and she will be missed by all. Clare had a quiet warmth that made working with her a pleasure, and I learned a great deal from her thoughtful, grounded approach to teaching. Her care for her students and her commitment to sociology will be remembered very fondly.