Trent University Mourns the Passing of Professor Emeritus Sarah Keefer
Dr. Keefer was a professor emeritus in the English Literature department for over three decades
Trent University is saddened to learn of the passing of Professor Sarah Larratt Keefer, a dedicated scholar and educator whose contributions to the Department of English Literature spanned over three decades.
Professor Keefer’s career at Trent began in 1984 as a part-time professor in the Department of English Literature. Over the years, she held various positions, advancing to assistant professor in 1987, associate professor in 1993, and full professor in 1998, a role she held until her retirement in 2016. In 2023, Dr. Keefer was recognized with Professor Emeritus status. Throughout her tenure at Trent, she was known for her commitment to her students and her passion for medieval literature and manuscript studies.
A respected researcher, Professor Keefer’s work focused on Old English and Anglo-Saxon literature, particularly the study of liturgical texts and their material culture. She was widely recognized for her excellence in teaching and mentorship, earning several awards throughout her career, including the prestigious Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching (2000) and an OCUFA Teaching Award (2001). She was also a recipient of the 3M National Teaching Fellowship (2009), one of Canada’s highest honours for university educators, celebrated for her innovative teaching methods and dedication to student learning.
The University extends heartfelt sympathies to the family and friends of Dr. Keefer and to all who knew her at Trent.