Frances MCGRATH Obituary

Dear Friends and family of Fran,
I have known Fran for many years our paths crossing in the public sector learning group and then later when I joined the Board for Oxfam NZ.
Taken far too soon, Fran made an extraordinary contribution to health outcomes and to the development of people.
I am glad Fran came into my life and I am sad that her time was so short. She contributed more than most. May she rest in Peace and may Edwin feel comforted that many share in your loss.

Dear Edwin and Fran's extended family,

From colleagues at the World Health Organization and global experts involved in activities alongside Fran, we offer our deepest condolences. Please find below some specific email messages shared by colleagues:

It is such a sad news. My deepest condolences. Senait/US

This is very sad news. I had the privilege of working with Fran all these years in the Pandemic Influenza Preparedness (PIP) Framework and also in PCITEM. Very active in each brainstorming session, Fran always had very useful inputs. In addition, her contribution for the PIP review is enormous. Very articulate, friendly and always with a smile, we will miss her. May her soul rest in peace. Please do convey deepest condolences on behalf of all of us to the family. Venu/India

Thanks for sharing this sad news with us. Please transmit our deep sympathies and condolences to her family and her colleagues as the opportunity arises. We have a lost a great voice for public health. Joe/US

So sorry to hear this We were lucky we had the chance to know and work with her She was not only an excellent public health expert and advocate but also a person with a big heart. My condolences to her family and friends. Silvia/Albania

I am very sorry to hear this news. I met Fran for the first time at the 2017 PCITEM October meeting and followed up with her on some pandemic preparedness projects in Australia later. Please convey our sympathy to her family. Kanta/Australia

Thank you for sharing this news. I'd like to offer my condolences to her family , we loss the one of WHO experts' team who always contributes her expertise for supporting WHO. Fran will always be in our memories. Malinee/Thailand

My God. What a big loss. I am very sorry to know that a kind and loving person like Fran left us. Sincere Condolences to her family and to our group. Rest in peace Fran. Mohamed/Qatar

My only interaction with Fran was through WHO, the PIP Framework and specifically, PCITEM. I sat on a couple of pre-calls and then had the wonderful experience to meet her in person in 2017 when she chaired this two day meeting. It was instantly understandable why she was so well regarded, so invaluable to public health and a true leader. She was caring, passionate, committed, wise and practical. Her service to WHO and specifically her work with the PIP framework was truly appreciated. Deepest condolences to her family, friends and all who knew her. I know she enriched many lives. Ann/WHO

This is shocking and devastating news. Fran was a cherished colleague who so generously shared her knowledge and wisdom with us at WHO over the course of many, many years. She joined WHO's PIP Advisory Group in its very early stages, served on it for 6 years, 2 of which as its Vice Chair. She then helped us through an extremely full year of work to carry out the comprehensive PIP Review she was always, always ready to help and we have such fond memories of Fran joining teleconference calls at ungodly hours for her, in her pyjamas. Her unrelenting commitment, and intelligence grounded in pragmatism, were the reasons we turned to her a few years back, to see if she might lead our newest expert group Please accept my deepest and most sincere condolences The loss for all of us who knew her is immeasurable. If you are able, kindly let us know if there will be a memorial service or other remembrance of her. We would like to pay our respects to you, her family, her friends and colleagues and join in the celebration of her life which touched so many around the globe. With deep sadness and a very heavy heart. Anne/WHO

My deepest deepest condolences. I am very sorry for your loss. This is truly sad and shocking news. I am thinking of you and your family during this difficult time and offer you my sincerest sympathies. Fran was a great lady and a force of nature who always strived to improve global public health. She was a wise, kind and generous spirit, and the world is a better place because of her contribution. We will sorely miss her and her dedication. Gina/WHO

Deepest sympathies Edwin and extended family. Our connection with Fran began many years ago in Christchurch through YCS and YCW. A brief reconnection at See, Judge, Act book Launch recently. At peace now.

Rest in peace Aunty Fran. Fly high with the angels. I will always remember your sound advice when in a crisis and my heart will always be warmed by your smile. Be sure to give my love to Uncle Terry, Uncle Phil, Aunty Patsy my Dad and also to Nana and Pop.

Farewell Fran. I've many fond memories of you, from YCW days and shared bus rides to work and home to Hataitai. Many years have passed and I wish you a peaceful last journey.