Dear family and friends of Joanna,
On behalf of our entire team at Elsevier, please accept our condolences and our deepest sympathies. We are wishing you and all your family peace and courage during this difficult time.
It is with deep sadness that we learned the news of the sudden passing of our cherished colleague, Joanna. Joanna was an incredible lady whose kindness, willingness to help others, and unwavering support left an indelible mark on all who knew her. She was not just a colleague but a beloved friend who dedicated over 34 years to Elsevier in academic publishing.
Joanna’s journey began in the Earth Sciences department as a Desk Editor during a time when our industry was on the brink of transformation. As the digital revolution unfolded, she embraced change and grew into the role of Journal Manager, always eager to learn and adapt. Her career took a significant turn in 2006 with a six-month secondment in Publishing, and from that moment on, she became an integral part of the STMJ team.
For many years, Joanna was a driving force behind the Current Opinion journals in Green and Sustainable Chemistry, where she established new processes and fostered a vibrant community of editors, editorial boards, and authors. Her contributions extended to the now-retired Special Issue Database (SID), and she took on a year-long secondment as Associate Publisher in the Social Sciences group, where she enhanced relationships with affiliated societies and shaped strategies for our journals.
Most recently, Joanna stepped into the role of Associate Publisher in the Flex team on February 1, 2023. She often reminded us that “you are never too old to try something new,” and her invaluable contributions helped maintain and develop journal portfolios, especially during transitions. Her extensive knowledge, dedication, and collaborative spirit made her a cornerstone of our team.
Beyond her professional achievements, Joanna was also deeply involved in the RELX SDG Resource Centre and served as a compassionate listener for Mindlife. Her gentle demeanor, customer-centric approach, and exceptional problem-solving skills have left a lasting impact on everyone she worked with. We will profoundly miss her wisdom, warmth, and the generosity she brought into our lives.
Joanna was a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother. Our hearts go out to you, her sons, Alexander and Eduard, her daughter-in-law, Demi, her grandson Evan, and your wider family. We also extend our condolences to her Current Opinion colleagues, her Journal Development and Editor Engagement Center of Expertise colleagues, and the Flex team, all of whom have lost a long-standing and valued member of their teams. Joanna was always willing to share her vast knowledge and expertise, and her absence will be felt deeply.
Our thoughts are with you and your family during this difficult time.
Sincerely,
Marie Dekerle
Senior Publisher
ELSEVIER | STM Journals
