Crosby’s Soroptimists are mourning the death of their honorary life member, Patricia Fahey, aged 72.
Tricia – as everyone knew her – was President of the Federation of Soroptimist International of Great Britain and Ireland (SIGBI) in 1995-6. During her term of office, she travelled extensively, visiting Africa and Asia to forge closer links with fledgling clubs as well as strengthening bonds between clubs in this country. Prior to that she had been President of SI Crosby (1985-86) and Regional President of SI South Lancashire (1988-99).
Tricia was educated at the former Ursuline Convent Girls’ School in Blundellsands. She became a diocesan youth worker in Liverpool and London, and then a probation officer. Tricia was the first female to take up the role of Assistant Chief Probation Officer on Merseyside where she was particularly active in working against drug abuse.
She had a great sense of humour and loved to recall how she was once forced to escort The Beatles out of her local youth club after they were booed off the stage following a disastrous performance – before they became famous, of course.
Tricia believed that Soroptimist International gave women ‘a global voice’. She worked tirelessly for its campaigns for human rights and the status of women in this country and overseas. “If women’s voices are not heard, then the world is deprived of the caring, loving, humanitarian approach to its problems”, she once said.
A keen bowler, Tricia set up the Soroptimists’ crown green bowling competition in South Lancashire. One of the region’s trophies is named after her.
Sandy Taylor, President of SI Crosby, said: “Tricia’s caring approach and warm personality endeared her to many, especially as she had battled against serious illness several times in her life. She will remembered for her endearing personal qualities and feisty determination to right the wrongs and inequalities in the world, especially for women and children.”
President Sandy continued, “This has been a particularly sad year for our club as we have already mourned the passing of honorary life members Sheila Allen and Marjorie Lawley. Tricia, Sheila and Marjorie were loyal Soroptimists, formidable women and fine role models. We are privileged to have known them.”