Tributes paid after death of Margaret
TRIBUTES have been paid to a blind woman who ‘touched the lives of all who came into contact with her’.
Margaret Halliwell, of Rawtenstall, had been blind since her childhood, and dedicated time to being a spokesperson for the blind.
She was involved with a host of community organisations, including the Talking Newspaper, Torch Trust and her local church, and shared her experiences with local groups.
She died suddenly but peacefully at Royal Blackburn Hospital on August 5 at the age of 67, having lived in Rawtenstall all her life.
She had been an avid listener of the Rossendale Talking newspaper for the Blind since its inception in 1979, spoke to the Free Press about the difference it made to her, and was also on the committee.
She had two sisters, Susan and Mary. Susan said: “She was a great reader and listener of both Braille and talking books. She loved music, enjoyed visiting the Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and holidays abroad and even learned to ski.
“As a person she was very knowledgeable of current affairs. She was genuinely interested in people and touched the lives of all who came into contact with her. She will be greatly missed by all her family and friends.”
Margaret, of Redwood Drive, was also a member and secretary of the Torch Trust, a Christian organisation for the visually impaired, and was one of the founder members of the monthly Torch Book Group.
She was a lifelong member of St Mary’s Church in Rawtenstall and was secretary of the Parochial Church Council (PCC) and involved in the Mums and Toddlers Group and Autumn Club Teas for church members.
Rev Chris Casey, of St Mary’s, added: “Blind since she was eight years old, Margaret never allowed this to stand in the way of engaging in a rich, meaningful and purposeful life.
“We are diminished by the loss of Margaret but enriched by her life, her witness and her example.”
She worked at Rossendale Social Services as an administrative assistant before her retirement, and, along with her guide dog, visited schools and local organisations, including Rossendale Scouts, to give talks about guide dogs for the blind and living with her impairment.
She loved sewing and knitting, and had a particular interest in cricket, having attended several Test matches at Old Trafford.
Margaret’s funeral will take place on Monday, August 22, with the cortege leaving her home at 11.50am for a service at St Mary’s Church, Rawtenstall, at 12.15pm, followed by committal at Accrington Crematorium at 1.40pm.