French professor Kathleen Delgado died following a long illness Tuesday morning.

She had taught introductory French as a part-time lecturer since 2001. She also taught English as a Foreign Language at Georgetown from 2001 to 2002.

“A true Francophile, she shared her love of France and all things French with her students to whom she showed remarkable dedication. A delightful presence in the French Department, Professor Delgado was known for her sunny optimism and her generosity toward both her students and her colleagues,” the university said in the email announcing Delgado’s passing.

Prior to coming to Georgetown, Delgado worked as a program analyst in the International Office of the Air Force Research Labs and taught French at the University of Hawaii, the University of Texas at San Antonio and other institutions, according to her faculty profile.

Delgado is survived by her husband. A funeral Mass will be held at Saint Mary Catholic Church in Arlington on Oct. 13.