CELEBRATING & COMMEMORATING
THE LIFE OF MARY TURNER (1938-2017)
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OUR MARY
Below are some of the thoughts, condolences and memories of Mary from across our movement.
Tim Roache, GMB General Secretary
“I and the whole of the GMB are truly heartbroken by the loss of our President Mary Turner, a woman who has been the heart and soul of our union for a generation.
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"The word giant is sometimes overused but in the case of Mary she really was a true giant of our movement. Mention the name Mary Turner and people will smile and say she had that unique blend of fighting spirit mixed with care and compassion.
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"She has left this world having made a real difference to people’s lives, that's something we are all proud of and that GMB will never forget. Be it fighting for dinner ladies in Brent, for hungry kids to have a free school lunch, for pensions, for young people, against discrimination and the National Front, Mary has led our movement. They broke the mould when they made Mary Turner, she will be deeply missed by her GMB family, including her beloved London Region.
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"Mary may be gone, but she has left behind a union that will ensure the values and principles she fought her whole life for, will always endure.
"Our thoughts and love are with Mary’s family, whom she loved so very much.”
CELEBRATING AND REMEMBERING OUR MARY
Paul Kenny, former GMB General Secretary and the Kenny Family
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"Mary Turner was and will always remain an outstanding person and a passionate trade unionist. I was privileged to share many years of campaigning mostly following in Mary's wake as she challenged injustice and pursued equality in our society for all. Mary loved the GMB and the GMB loved her back. Mary was undoubtedly the leading Woman Trade Unionist of her generation. An accolade earned not by networking around Westminster but by being 100% the real deal.
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On one occassion I was visiting Mary in hospital during a painful recovery from surgery when group of people turned up to visit Mary, how nice, I thought until realised they all had work problems and had come to Mary's hospital bed to seek help. Mary patiently dealt with every single one, making mobile calls and handing me follow up jobs for those she couldn't resolve that day. That was just Mary's way. Always there for the members, Mary never forgot her roots or her people. The loss of her beloved Denny was only bearable by the love of her Family of whom she was the moon and stars. I like to think Mary knew how much her comrades in the GMB, the wider movement and of course the Labour Party loved and respected her. I have never met anyone of any gender who could hold a candle to her conviction and compassio for social justice.
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The GMB has lost a lot more than a President, Mary was family to us all. Many of us have lost a real friend, a unique and wonderful person. Love to you Mary from all the Kenny's."
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Jeremy Corbyn MP, Labour Party Leader
"I'm sad to hear of the death of my friend Mary Turner. Mary was such a great campaigner for people.
We first worked together in the early 1980s defending school meals in Barnet and I last saw her at a Labour national executive meeting.
"She paved the way for so many women in the union movement and encouraged others to speak out. I send my condolences to Mary's family and her extended family at the GMB union. RIP Mary."
Cath Speight, National Political Officer, GMB
"I first met Mary when as a young shop steward in the AEU I attended my first TUC Womens conference, she was a passionate, fiery red head with a fabulous sense of humour . It didn’t matter I was in a different union, she was supportive and encouraging. When I joined Mary on Labour’s NEC she was there again to help me settle in.
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There have been thousands of children who didn’t go hungry because of Mary’s tenacious campaign for free school meals and didn’t suffer the stigma of lining up separately.
Her legacy will continue as she was still inspiring GMB members up to just six short weeks ago when she chaired our Congress.
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It’s been an honour and privilege to work with such a giant of the Labour and Trade Union movement but even more so to call her my friend."
Warren Kenny, GMB London Regional Secretary
“A servant to the people and hero of GMB, Mary gained the respect and recognition of everyone in GMB, the wider Trade Union and Labour movement as well as those from all political spheres.
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“Mary was a tenacious and unflappable trade unionist, combining toughness and care and soared through against all the odds. She was known throughout the Labour movement for her indomitable stamina, kindness and compassion.
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“On a personal note, I knew Mary for more than 30 years, she gave GMB her tireless commitment to tackle injustice and unparalleled loyalty to our membership.
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“Mary was everything that an outstanding Trade Unionist and Socialist should be.
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“Mary inspired so many to realise their potential in life as she dedicated her life to helping others.
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“A giant, warm giving person whose passing will be mourned by all.
“Mary Turner, remembered forever.”
Malcolm Sage, National Vice-President, GMB
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"Mary was an inspiration to many, she cared passionately about our union and its members. It’s been an honour to be her vice-president and to work alongside her. She always made time for everyone and took time to ask after, not just them but their families.
She was much loved by our members and she had such a great sense of humour.
Mary valued her family and friends highly and I’m proud to have been one of them.
RIP Madam President."
Tom Watson MP, Labour Party Deputy Leader
"Mary was an inspiration to me, decent in every way and a proud representative of her class. She was one of the finest trade unionists of her generation. A friend, a comrade, a mentor. Mary was revered by tens of thousands of GMB members. She will be sorely missed."
Iain McNicol, Labour Party General Secretary
"I am proud to have known and campaigned with Mary at GMB and the Labour Party. She was a phenomenal, caring and compassionate woman."
Gary Smith, GMB Scotland Secretary
"We are waking up this morning to the awful news that GMB President Mary Turner has passed away. The thoughts of everyone in GMB Scotland at this sad time are with her family and loved ones.
Mary was a towering presence in the life of GMB and it's hard to imagine our union without her. She was a great leader, a fearsome fighter, a wonderful friend and an irresistible force for good in our country. So many people's lives have been changed for the better because of Mary.
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She also devoted her life to the wider Labour movement and achieved incredible things, rubbing shoulders with the great and the good, senior politicians, prime ministers and presidents, but in all she did Mary never forgot her roots as a GMB activist working in school dinners for a London council. Our members were always Mary's guiding light. She loved them. And, we loved her too.
On a personal note I worked with Mary for a number of years and she gave me huge encouragement. I will always remember and cherish her insightful words of wisdom and many acts of kindness. She was an inspiration to me. I will miss her terribly.
Mary was a proud, warm, intelligent and determined working class woman. Her passing is the end of an era but her legacy, values and spirit live on.
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Rest in peace Mary."
Jo Stevens MP, Chair, GMB Parliamentary Group
"Mary may have been small in stature but she was a giant of the trade union movement. Fearless bu fair. Combative but caring. Labour to her core. A wonderful role model of solidarity to us all in the GMB and Labour Party. Sending deepest condolences to Mary's family and many, many friends on behalf of the whole GMB Parliamentary Group."