Caroline Moss, a 2002 graduate of the University, passed away Sunday, March 16, while in Paris on a teaching assignment.
Moss, who graduated with a double major in French and Spanish last spring, died in her sleep. The cause of death is unknown.
French Prof. Gladys Saunders, Moss's former major advisor and her instructor for several courses, said Moss was teaching courses in conversational English to French high school students.
Moss had been in France since September, teaching and living with a French family as part of a selective program with the French Cultural Service.
Saunders said Moss was an exemplary student.
"She was always prepared and didn't mind responding in class," Saunders said. "Her French was very good."
Moss was also a member of the Virginia Women's Choir.
"I went to her concerts," Saunders said. "The most recent concert I attended was spring of last year, and I got to hear her sing a solo -- she had an excellent solo voice."
Third-year College Student Courtney Lamie, a member of the Virginia Women's Chorus, said the group played a huge role in Moss' life.
"She was always very enthusiastic while there," Lamie said. "She took a leadership role, not so much by being a typical leader up in front of everyone, but by really supporting everyone in [the chorus] and leading by example."
Moss was a member of the chorus all four years and served on its managing board.
Chorus members particularly will miss Moss, Lamie said.
"Some of her dearest friends were in the chorus and we all miss her dearly," she said.
Moss' fellow members in Gamma Phi Beta sorority said they thought very highly of her.
"She was just always very happy, very positive and very kind to everyone she knew," said fourth-year College student Mary-Ellen Stefanou, Moss's little sister in the sorority. "I know she was just extremely happy at the time that she died."
Fourth-year College student Melissa Chadwick echoed Stefanou's sentiments.
"She was actually my big, big sorority sister -- extremely bubbly and helpful to everyone," Chadwick said. "She instantly put a smile on anyone's face because she always had a smile on her own."
Moss was also a member of the University's Christian Science Organization and volunteered her time tutoring students through Madison House.
Moss's friends in Charlottesville said she made the most of her time at the University.
"She was very talented," Stefanou said. "I know she had a really great experience at U.Va."
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