Gemma Hussey RIP (remembered by Karen Erwin)

One of the founders of the IWF Ireland Forum, and first President Gemma Hussey, died on 26 November 2024. 

Gemma's immense contribution to Irish public life, politics and women's rights has been appropriately noted in media coverage and obituaries https://www.irishtimes.com/obituaries/2024/12/07/gemma-hussey-obituary-second-woman-ever-to-be-appointed-to-cabinet/

I first met Gemma at the lunch held to see if there was any interest in setting up an IWF Irish Forum. Naturally I said yes, and Gemma asked me to be Treasurer.

From then on Gemma and I travelled many roads together – to the Irish Forum becoming a new member Forum in Montreal; to the pyramids in Mexico, to the rickshaw ride and pearl market in Beijing and to her challenge to the armed Israeli soldier in Jerusalem as to why she wasn’t allowed to visit the all male portion of the Wailing Wall. Travelling with Gemma was never without excitement and she was a great companion.

Gemma was generous with her wisdom and advice, which was delivered very subtly; she had a great sense of humour and had a wealth of reminiscences to while away the hours.

Our time together through IWF started a lifelong friendship.  Walking Three Rock; ladies lunches and endless social events, not to mention many challenging discussions on a wide range of topics. I was lucky to see her days before her death and to talk about one of her favourite subjects – her family.

After her death I emailed Barbara Barrett (ex-IWF International President) and I know she wouldn’t object to my sharing part of her responding email.  “I know you lost a cherished friend, as did I and so many other IWF colleagues. I remember like yesterday the first meeting of what became IWF-Ireland hosted by Mary Harney.  Gemma was a star and as you say, a beacon for so many others.”

I will miss Gemma a great deal, but I will wear the jewellery and Chinese jackets bought when I was with her in foreign parts in her fond memory.  Our thoughts are with Rachel and all of Gemma’s family at this time.  As a mark of respect, the planned dinearound scheduled for 28 November last was postponed to 12 February 2025.