I came home from the hospital where I said a final goodbye to Edith, and felt motivated to put figurative pen to paper, for her children and friends.

Among her many qualities, Edith was never a person who thrived on being lauded. So, congratulating her on Saturday on her long and successful life seemed out of place.

But the reality is that we will miss her…a lot. Those breakfasts we had together in her home over the years were special moments I looked forward to so much. Edith was such a good listener, a very genuine, caring listener who, while munching on French bread and sorting out her pills, recalled in detail all that we had talked about previously, all the ins and outs and ups and downs of her friends’ lives. And when Edith talked about her own family, it was clear sighted yet deeply affectionate. And into her 100s Edith would still never fail to steer the conversation to what is happening around the globe – her lifelong fascination with current events and her personal commitment to making society a better place for all of humanity, and especially the underdog.

Perhaps her greatest gift to us all was that she showed us how to live life to the full, always in sync with her values, and in touch with the wider world that, for all its faults, needs ongoing love and commitment….and that a glass (or better two) of good red wine can usually help.

My memory goes back to 1972 when for some months as a very young and green UNHCR editor I shared an office in the Palais des Nations with a recently retired ILO official named Campbell Ballantyne, a wise and warm-hearted man. In quieter moments, from across the table after he had penned yet another report, he would frequently allude with devotion and admiration to the achievements of his special wife – whom I wasn’t to meet until much later. As the circle closes in March 2025, I can fully appreciate and value the meaning of what he was sharing. Exceptional Edith.

Philip Sargisson
24 March 2025