Marilyn

Marilyn Murray RIP 16 June 2020

The Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign is deeply sad to announce that Marilyn Murray died yesterday 16 June 2020. Our heartfelt love goes to her daughter Georgia and son Keith, and to her brother.

Georgia, Marilyn’s daughter writes
It is with great sadness and devastation that I’m here to let you know that mum passed away yesterday. For those that didn’t know – mum was diagnosed with a high grade brain tumour in January, and given just months to live. She fought bravely, humbly and always with her wonderful humour. She was one of a kind with such spirit and empathy for others. She campaigned ardently and passionately for so many wonderful causes – and will be sorely missed by so many. RIP mum – till I see you again.Dr

Louise Irvine, our Campaign Chair
‘I’m so very sorry to hear this sad news. Marilyn was a passionate and defiant fighter for many causes close to her heart, in particular defending the NHS. She was a stalwart of the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign and, even though she lived in Bexley, always said she felt like Lewisham was her home, as she spent so many happy, productive and lively hours here with us in the campaign to save Lewisham Hospital – a campaign which we won thanks to the energies and commitment of devoted and hard working people like Marilyn. Marilyn was full of fun, righteous anger at injustice and passion to build a better world. I will miss her greatly, as will all of us in the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign.’

Marilyn: a video tribute and memorial for Marilyn, published 15 July 2020, the day of her cremation

Marilyn often described herself as ‘angry from Bexley’ and was described on Youtube as ‘Wonderful woman on Question Time’ (340,851 views)

Further tributes to Marilyn

Lewisham Mayor, Damien Egan
Marilyn was at the heart of the campaign to save Lewisham A&E and I know she is missed by many. I am Hugely grateful for all her work which has saved lives and improved the health outcomes of many in our community. Personally I will remember Marilyn as a passionate and committed campaigner, with a sharp mind and a great sense of humour.I send my deepest condolences to her family, friends and fellow activists.

Kathy Cruise
A very sad day . The more I got to know about Marilyn the more I was amazed at what she fitted into her life . She was passionate about the health service and also the fire service – her father was a superintendent in the fire service and she grew up living above fire stations . She had a very varied and interesting life as well as many challenges. She had a very big heart ❤️that is for sure and always looked out for others. She was such an amazing campaigner and surely the leaflet queen of the SLHC … she never gave up and was always ready to help. I last saw her about a week before lockdown when Tony , Olivia and I went to visit her in Bexley . She was very ill but still cheerful and joking and not afraid of dying .
We will all miss her

Brian Fisher
I am so sorry to hear this. She was brave, strong, funny and determined. She made a huge difference to my life and the campaign. She will be sadly missed. My condolences to the family.

Olivia O’Sullivan
Marilyn was my friend. I will always remember her as a fierce campaigner against injustice in all its forms, as well as being full of fun and jokes. She worked so hard for the Campaign, coming out in all weathers, despite ill health, as late as last December’s election campaign. There is a wonderful photo of her trying to strangle Donald Trump that sums her for me her spirit and humour. It’s so sad that we were unable to say goodbye to her due to this terrible virus. We will really miss her unique spirit.And I will miss a great friend.

Tony O’Sullivan
Marilyn swept into our great Lewisham campaign from the earliest and instantly made it greater. Her brave, uncompromising, forthright talk, her amazing compassion and her humour. She would go from laughter to tears in a sentence and take us with her. She had profound empathy with so many oppressed and fighting people. ‘Angry from Bexley’ was able to take that Question Time – and the rightwing politicians she didn’t admire – by the scruff of the neck and speak truth to them. Marilyn gave amazingly of herself even when so low at times and I loved and admired her for that – I know she loved us and her adopted campaigning family too. Love from us to Georgia and Keith We’ll definitely always cherish Marilyn and we will fight on for the NHS and other causes from her energy, speaking truth to power in her memory. Rest in peace xxx

Hugh Shrapnel
Marilyn’s passing is a huge loss; she was such a tireless fighter against injustice for a better world.
Her passion, enthusiasm and her wonderful sense of humour made campaigning with her a joy and she always lifted everyone’s spirits.She coped with her final illness with such characteristic bravery.
I shall miss her as a wonderful comrade and friend as we all will.

Vicky Penner
It’s very very sad news. Marilyn and her family have had such a tough time over the last few months. She is thankfully at peace now but I will miss her bravery and kindness very much. ❤️

Clare Phillips
It is hard to put into words how much I will miss Marilyn. I loved being in her company and we went on many demos together. We walked side by side, every month, on the Grenfell silent walks, until Marilyn’s health made it too difficult. I told her that I walked for both of us, and will continue to do so. I have some great photos which I will share, including one of Marilyn with John Bercow! We had some great chats and lots of laughs. Life won’t be the same without Marilyn in it. I hope she is looking down cursing this government as she always did. I feel privileged to have known her.

Barbara Veale
So many memories of Marilyn over the years the SLH Campaign has been going. All those Saturday mornings in Lewisham market getting people to sign a petition, buy a mug or bag, or take a leaflet. Marilyn chasing people through the crowds thrusting the leaflet and spitting tacks when some weren’t interested. Putting the world to rights when having a well-earned cuppa and sandwich later. She did so very much for this campaign and a huge number of other campaigns too. I don’t know where she got her energy from but her commitment never waned. She battled on when her health began to fail and right up to the end. Be at peace Marilyn. It was my privilege to know her and campaign with her.

Iain Wilson
Since 2012, seeing Marilyn at Save Lewisham Hospital events was always a highlight. She was hilarious, friendly and, even though she could be unpredictable with what she said, you could guarantee she would be angry at the right people and also at the political inclinations of the people of Bexley. I spent many an event talking with her about Bargain Hunt – we even tried applying and it is their loss to have not had Marilyn on. Or maybe it was a lucky escape for Tim Wonnacott! My thoughts are with Marilyn’s family, I am sure she will be fondly remembered. From Iain.x

David Margolies
I am very sorry to learn of Marilyn’s death. She had a wonderful humanity and a power to dispel gloom with her warmth and humour.  Completely down to earth and straight-forward, she also kept our values sharp and clear.

Jill Mountford
So very, very sorry. A major loss to all that is good and funny in the world. One great activist and friend lost but such love left behind. Viva Marilyn. Love to Georgia and Keith.

Rosie Fooks
I was shocked and saddened to hear Marilyn had died after suffering several months of serious illness.

Jane Keogh
Very sad news, an amazing woman with great humour, totally fearless, courageous, and she will be so very missed.

Teresa Bailey
I’m so sorry to hear about Marilyn. She was a magnificent woman, full of energy and passion, a great fighter for people’s rights. We’ve lost a real hero.

Maggie Palmer
Marilyn was the heart of our Campaign and it’s soul…she was very proud of how she moved politically to the left in her life rather like Tony Benn…a great fighter with so much spirit and sadly missed…thoughts are with her family X

Jane Wilson
So sad to hear about Marilyn and hard to believe too as it doesn’t seem long at all since she was giving BJ laldy at our SLH meeting. She was the heart and soul of the campaign in so many ways and will be very much missed.

Margaret O’Connor
Really sorry to hear this, very sad news. Marilyn was a formidable character with great energy and passion.

Barry Mills
Very sorry to hear this Georgia. Marilyn was principled, determined and a passionate campaigner against injustice.She was also always very funny and great company. Sincere condolences to you and the family.

Carolyn Emmanuel
I met Marilyn when preparing for the 2013 Save Lewisham Hospital demo. I was organizing the making of the placards and Marilyn joined us at our first workshop. She came in to venue quietly and with some trepidation – I never saw her like that again.  She was then always known to me in my mobile address book as Marilyn Placards. I loved her from the beginning; vivacious, passionate about social justice, always willing to listen and learn and I learnt so much from her. She was fun to be with, always so friendly and even in my last contacts with her, by text, chirpy and appreciative. We did lots of leafletting together over the years but less recently as I have been less involved in the campaign. I will always remember her question on Question Time when had her hand up throughout the show and David Dimbleby gave her the last question and she took the floor….in her way just asking the obvious questions of why??? Why were things so unfair, why were so many cuts being made? Why were the people loosing out and not being treated in the way they deserve.

I was so sad to hear that she has died. Such a big loss to our local community and the campaign. I last saw her when we leafletted together for the election in Eltham. She always made leafletting fun and I loved chatting with her over coffee afterwards. She inspired me to be active, just go do it, say it and I will always remember her for just that.

My thoughts are with her family right now and I hope we can celebrate her life together once the situation with the pandemic allows.

Joss Bell
I’m so very sad and shocked to hear this Georgia. I hadn’t seen your dear mum for some time since I had to move away, but we kept in touch until late last year – so many memories of campaigning together and only last week I tweeted about her Q Time put down of Dorries habout the impact of legal aid cuts on women in the clip that went viral. When I met Glenda Jackson in the winter, who Marilyn was so fond of, I mentioned her to Glenda. I’ll be sure to let her know. Thinking of you Xxx

Mark Dunk
I am saddened to hear of Marilyn’s passing. She was a wonderful campaigner and always brought such an inspiring mix of both joy and commitment to the struggle both for our NHS with the Save Lewisham Hospital Campaign and in the fight against racism proudly wearing her Stand Up to Racism badge. She will be missed not only by myself but by other comrades in the SWP and all who knew her important contribution to the movement over many years. Rest in power Marilyn.

Andrew Smith
I just thought she was a force of nature, no edge, no side, a wonderful, marvelous, hugely effective person. I am so sorry. A great loss to the Lewisham Hospital Campaign. With people like Marilyn the NHS will always be safe. I never ever imagined that we could lose her.

Ian Crosson
I was very sad to hear of the death of Marilyn. Marilyn always spoke her mind and spoke from the heart. Even though she lived in Bexley her heart seemed very much to be in Lewisham and campaigning to save our hospital and subsequent campaigning after we defeated Jeremy Hunt.

Shruti Patel
So sad to hear this. Marilyn was at the picket line in solidarity with Lewisham junior doctors – often arriving before and leaving after the last of us. She was hilarious and inspiring. RIP xx

Richard von Abendorf
My sincere condolences to all here who knew her and her family and friends. I did not know her well at all but was constantly surprised at how many very different progressive events I saw at standing and participating strong and defiant. A great legacy and inspiration and a very sad loss.

Amina Mangera
I knew Marilyn for several years both in the health campaign and through my Unite union branch.
She came to many meetings, picket lines, demos and actions. Marilyn lived in Bromley but found it more comfortable to campaign with us folk in Lewisham.

Chris Williamson MP
My good comrade and friend, Marilyn Murray has sadly died.

Marilyn personified solidarity. She was a wonderful woman – a shining light. A great working class champion and NHS campaigner. Her compassion extended to animals too and she was a vegan.

RIP comrade, you were loved.

Lewisham TUC
We will miss you, Marilyn, a true campaigner. We send our sincere condolences to Georgia, Keith and her family and friends. Rest in Power 🌹

Rachel Rosen, Labour Animal Rights Group
It’s with great sadness that we say goodbye to our dear friend and comrade, Marilyn Murray.
Marilyn always used her voice to speak up for the voiceless, campaigning to save the NHS, for human rights, and of course, animal rights. She attended parliamentary debates, protests, and even appeared on Question Time, taking on those in seats of power with her formidable energy. A committed vegan and wildlife advocate, she stood beside us calling for an end to the Tory badger cull, for strengthening The Hunting Act, and against the exploitation of all animals.
We know this world is a better place for having had her warmth and passion in it, and our sincere condolences go out to her family. Marilyn was loved by so many, and we will miss her so much. May she be cuddling fox and badger cubs out there in some place beyond this, until we meet again.
Rest in power, dear Marilyn, a true animal advocate warrior ✊👏🌹💖🦊🦅🐺🦌🐇🦔🐣🐓🦇🐑🐖🐄🐘

Leila O’Sullivan
I am so sorry for your loss, Georgia. Marilyn was one hell of a human being and I always loved being in her company. She came to so many of my band’s gigs in London and she never failed to make you smile when you were with her. She is a star. A very, very special human who we will all miss deeply. Sending lots of love to you, your brother and family at this very sad and difficult time. Rest in peace, Marilyn xxx

Joanne Adamczyk
I am so sorry to hear about your mum. Marilyn was a strong, kind, funny woman. It was a privilege to know her. I am thinking about you. Joanne (Olivia’s sister) xx

Zoe McVeigh
So very sorry for your loss. Your mum was a force and she took you as she found you, I really loved that about her her. She was so warm and funny and such an inspiring person. I’ll miss her greatly ❤️ xxx

Nathan Pettefar, Stand Up to Racism, National and SE London Group
What an inspirational activist and a loss to the movement.

The Brazil Solidarity Team
We have been deeply saddened to hear the news of Marilyn’s passing. She was a pleasure to be around and was always able to have a good laugh. We are incredibly thankful that she took time to volunteer with us and to stand up for what she believed in.You will be missed Marilyn.

Francisco Dominguez. National secretary of Venezuela Solidarity Campaign
A big loss to us all. My condolences to family and friends.

Eve Turner, Ealing Save Our NHS
So sorry to hear this news. What a loss, such a warm and friendly woman and a passionate campaigner. Eve

Umaar Kazmi
I have been immensely saddened to learn that my friend Marilyn Murray passed away yesterday. Marilyn was one of the most warm-hearted people I have ever encountered in the labour movement. She was incredibly selfless, compassionate, and generous, and she cared deeply about people and animals. She was also wonderfully good-humoured, and it was always such a delight to hear about her life experiences, particularly stories from her time working in the House of Commons! Moreover, she was a fierce and tireless campaigner for the NHS, the welfare state, animal rights, and countless other vital causes.

I am glad to have known her, and I send my sincerest condolences to her family, her loved ones, and the rest of her friends. Rest in peace, comrade.

David Sivyer
Very sad news, I have fond memories of working with Marilyn at the House of Commons in the 1980s she was always fun and our days were full of laughter. RiP Marilyn, you have certainly made a difference to many lives. 😪❤️

Polly Wicks
Oh so sad to hear this. Please send my condolences to her family. She did so much to help save Lewisham Hospital. There are many thousands of patients who would be eternally grateful for all the work she put in. She was important to us. Please let her family know.

Councillor Luke Sorba
Truly sad to hear this news. My sincere condolences.

Councillor Alan Hall
Rest in Peace Marilyn, your warmth and determination will be remembered. My sincere condolences to George, Keith and her brother, and friends.

Andy Ross
Hi Georgia. Your Mum was a good friend of ours…..she may have spoken of us on occasion. We met her when we were campaigning to keep the fire stations open. She loved to put the VR headset on and lose herself in a digital world when she came to visit. Please let us know when you know the funeral arrangements as we would love to come & say goodbye to her. Kind Regards Andy & Damien.

Kathy Dunbar
Really sorry to hear this news. Your mum was a wonderful person and will be missed by so many of us.

Isabel Daoud
Sorry to hear about that. I met your mum in a protest against a Brazilian president in London. What a wonderful person she was

Jeff Brechbuhl
Georgia and Keith – your mom volunteered with me in 1994 at a street children organization in Brazil. She was a tremendous person and friend during that time. We were trying to visit her last year, pushed it back to this year and then Covid-19 put everything on hold. I’m so saddened to hear that I won’t get that opportunity to reconnect. I’ll try to find some photos of back then to post. I remember that she took the trip to celebrate her 50th birthday. I’m in New Hampshire (US).