Susan Cox 1962 - 2018

Susan's first steps towards a career in translation began in UCD where she studied German and English. After graduating in 1984, she spent some years working in Germany and France. Her work included research, secretarial work and a language school. She worked full-time as a translator from 1989, adding Italian to her repertoire when she met her Italian husband. The two translators set up shop with their two children in Leitrim.

Susan had endless intellectual curiosity and she mastered many complicated and challenging subjects. She translated scientific, academic and literary documents in subjects ranging from forestry, climate change and sustainable development, to social and political science, architecture, urban planning, photography, fine art and short stories. Her specialist areas grew out of her experiences while working abroad.

When she worked in Berlin as a translator, she shared an office with a group of architects and made contacts in the areas of architecture, town planning and environment. Her work was often highly technical, and she worked hard to ensure that her English translations were every bit as accurate and well written as the original. Just last year she translated notes to accompany a major exhibition in Germany on the Reformation. She was a regular attendee at ITIA events.

She believed that the best education for a young translator is based on working and living experience as much as on explicit professional training. When asked if she would advise a young person to go into the profession she replied: "Yes, if you really enjoy translating and can live with the fact you will never be a top earner."

She is survived by her husband Diego Ceroni and their children Anna and Sean.

ITA Bulletin 2018-3, Irish Translators' and Interpreters' Association - Cumann Aistritheoirí agus Ateangairí na hÉireann