SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI) — The University of Rhode Island community is grieving the loss of a beloved staff member of more than 40 years.

According to the university, Maureen McDermott was hit by a car at URI's Kingston campus earlier this month and died from her injuries on Friday, Nov. 15.

She was hired in 1981 as a major events coordinator and later became the director of student involvement and the Memorial Union, earning widespread admiration for her unwavering dedication to students and the URI community.

The university described her as an integral part of "the fabric of our community" and noted her "lasting and meaningful legacy" of passion for student involvement.

Liam Jolly, a junior at URI, is among the many students grieving her loss.

Jolly worked closely with McDermott through WRIU, the university's student-run radio station, and called her a "real saint" in the community.

"She was the sort of person who lifts everyone up around her," Jolly recalled. "She would always have a smile on her face, and she was just such a genuine and kind person."

He added that McDermott positively impacted countless lives in some way and shared the difficulty of coming to terms with her absence.

"We have a meeting later and she should be here and she's not, and that's not going to change, and nothing is going to make that ever go away and get her back," Jolly said.

Nathan Robillard, a senior at URI, recounted similar experiences while working with WRIU. While he only interacted with McDermott a few times, he said her passing deeply affected him.

Robillard said she was one of the most organized, passionate and reliable people he knew, saying "the most profound thing to me is she did it all with a smile on her face."

"She was really, for me, the life of this building," Robillard added. "I walked into this building yesterday and it felt kind of empty. It really did feel weird, because she was just everywhere."

McDermott’s commitment extended beyond her professional duties, as she tirelessly advocated for more than 100 student organizations at URI.

"Her passion for our students and for their success both here and beyond our campuses provided a foundation for their achievement and served as an inspiration for colleagues," the university said in a statement.

McDermott is survived by her husband, Paul, and her three sons, Ryan, Kevin and Michael—all URI graduates.

"Maureen’s radiant smile, unwavering dedication to URI, and 43 years of service to the students and staff she lovingly called her Rhody Family have left an indelible mark. Her legacy and impact will be cherished forever," the letter continued.

URI is offering the following support resources to help the community cope with the loss:

• Counseling Center
  217 Roosevelt Hall; (401) 874-2288
  24/7 virtual, text, or chat with a counselor via TELUS Health
• Dean of Students Office – Student Support and Advocacy Services
  302 Memorial Union; (401) 874-2098
• Health Services
  Potter Building; (401) 874-2246 (Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.)
• Psychological Consultation Center
  Chafee Social Science Center, Suite 100; (401) 874-4264
• Couples and Family Therapy Clinic
  Transition Center, 2 Lower College Rd.; (401) 874-5956
• Campus Chaplains
  URI Chaplains Association; (401) 874-2740