Maureen Anne Fitzsimmons, who has tragically died, was a person who sought to make the world a better place for us all even those who didn’t think they wanted it. A tireless campaigner for a more egalitarian society. A person who believed in what socialism really is not the illusion the establishment have created to scare off many of the public.
Maureen fought hard for the NHS. Against the creeping privatisation many see but many pretend not to. Against the savage cuts which saw beds, medical practitioners and A&E’s replaced by bureaucrats and medical insurance.
And the ultimate tragedy is that she died waiting hours for an ambulance from the very service she repeatedly warned was being stripped, ready to be sold on the cheap to the mates of government ministers and MP’s.
However, we must not dwell on Maureen’s death. It is her life that brought so much value and beauty.
I never met Maureen, however, I did converse with her many a time on social media, especially via twitter. She was a wonderful supporter of Dorset Eye, in particular its content and ethos. We will miss her beyond words.
It is the voices of others we want to focus upon though. Since the announcement of her death on the 27th December the outpouring across social media has been amazing.
On the 30th December Maureen was trending on twitter.
Here are just some of the comments made by her family, friends and followers that reflect their love, anger and grief.
‘I rejoined the party for JC but it was her powerful voice through various outlets that inspired me. Those posts I believe were the catalyst as other great activists that gave the Labour Party a boost by inspiring tens of thousand of people like me to become secretary and door knocking activists. What a warrior she was.’ (Paul Johnson)
‘So sad to hear of the passing of Maureen Anne Fitzsimmons. A true comrade who has been a stalwart for socialism on my friends list for many years and a genuine lovely lady. She died waiting many many hours waiting for an ambulance due to the underfunding of the NHS. We had many mutual friends and I think we can all join in saying may she rest in power. My heart goes out to her family and friends.’ (Beth Williams)
So sorry to hear of the passing of Maureen Anne Fitzsimmons who was a lion of a lady & a devoted fighter for the rights of all people. Maureen we will honour you by continuing as you did to teach and organise and envision towards the world that you believed was possible. Rest in Power (Marienna Pope-Weidemann)
Just a small selection of the comments that reflect the high esteem Maureen was held in by other beautiful people fighting against the odds to make the UK and the world a better place.
Maureen will not be forgotten but most importantly her strength, knowlege and fight will be a stimulant for the many who follow her.
Love to you Maureen and to your family, friends and fellow warriors.
Dorset Eye Team
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