Rosemary Walker, a former environmental health officer, lecturer, and gardener, has passed away at the age of 71. She lived in Saddleworth, a town to the east of Manchester, for over 40 years. Possessing a blend of scientific knowledge and empathy, Walker excelled as an environmental health officer, dealing with issues related to insanitary housing, industrial pollution and animal welfare. Over the course of her career, she worked in three councils – Ashton (1973-74), Tameside (1974-78) and Vale of Aylesbury (1978-80) – and later worked with Debenhams as an environmental health and safety adviser throughout northern England.
After Debenhams outsourced its health and safety roles, Walker worked for some time as an independent consultant before accepting a post as an environmental health lecturer at the University of Salford. She was entirely suited to the position, having completed her degree in environmental sciences at the same institution. Walker was an independent and strong feminist that was eager to take on male-dominated professions, such as environmental health at a time when most professionals were men. After working for 17 years at the university, Walker left to pursue other interests that would keep her outdoors and active.
She became a dry-stone waller, ran a café and worked for the Groundwork Trust, where she managed a community garden in Hattersley neighbourhood, close to Manchester. It was during her time with Groundwork Trust that she discovered her love of gardening, and she started a business planting and cultivating small gardens in the towns and hills around the area. In addition to her professional work, Walker was devoted to several charitable organisations, such as the Labrys Trust, which serves older lesbians in Leeds, and the Sappho Women’s festival in Lesbos which she visited frequently.
Afterward, Walker devoted her time to campaigning for an assisted dying law in the UK after being disabled by complications arising from multiple myeloma and rectal cancer. She inspired everyone around her with her passion, fundraising, lobbying, and participation in media interviews. Rosemary Walker was known for her bravery and compassion and will be missed by many. Marilyn, her sister, is the only immediate relative that she leaves behind
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