Title: Marie Hills

Author: Mary Laing (Vice-Chair of Housing for Women)

Date: 31st March 2004

It was with great sorrow that I heard of the death of our Vice President and former Chairman, Marie Hills on 22nd March 2004. She will be much missed.

Marie joined the Board of Housing for Women on her retirement from Barclay's Bank where she had been one of the first women bank managers. She soon took on the role of Chairman. Under Marie's Chairmanship the Association went from strength to strength guided by her good sense, her energy and enthusiasm. She felt her responsibilities keenly. In the years of her Chairmanship the political climate governing Housing Associations altered. She had to interpret the new rules to the Board coaxing members with entrenched views to accept the inevitability of change. It was not always easy. She gave freely of her time, attending the frequent evening meetings of the Board and its committees, discussions with staff during the day, going to outside seminars and conferences and keeping herself abreast of current thinking in the social housing world. Most important of all, she fostered good relations with the tenants. She was acutely aware of the problems women face bringing up children on their own remembering the difficulties met by her mother who had been left a widow with two young children and very little money. While she was Chairman Marie attended the openings of new developments and the occasional fund raising events where her gaily topped jars of homemade marmalade were much sought after. She often gave lunches for the Board of Directors at her flat or in her garden (gardening was another of her great interests). These were excellent opportunities for members to relax in each other's company and at the same time develop their working relationships.

Marie died on the eve of this year's Annual General Meeting - an occasion over which she used to preside with grace and gentle authority. The news of her death caused much sadness and regret amongst those of the tenants and guests who were present this year and who remembered with affection a truly remarkable Chairman. Shortly before she retired as Chairman she got married. She and her husband, Michel, continued to come to the AGM. It was always a pleasure to see them both.

We extend our sympathy to her husband in his loss.