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Maggie had joined UNICEF in Paris in the sixties, left for a few years and came back in 1977 to work for the International Year of the Child secretariat in Geneva. She then was posted in Bangkok to work for the Kampuchea emergency, then in Abidjan as reporter photographer for countries in West Africa, then New York in the Information Division (under Mehr Khan’s supervision I believe…) and Geneva, her last post. She retired in New Zealand.
Lots of her photos appear in UNICEF publications.
Thank you.
Best regards.
Bernadette Suffran
Ex-UNICEF Geneva
Editor's Note: Maggie Murray-Lee contributed several collections of her lovely paintings to News & Views. See some examples by clicking here.
Best regards.
Bernadette Suffran
Ex-UNICEF Geneva
Editor's Note: Maggie Murray-Lee contributed several collections of her lovely paintings to News & Views. See some examples by clicking here.
Obituary - NZ Herald, January 23, 2025
MURRAY-LEE, Maggie (Margaret). Born 25 July 1940, wife of the late Devon Johnson, loved sister of Julia, aunt of Rebecca and Fiona and step mother of Sara and Diana (UK). Maggie left us on Monday night 20 January 2025 after a long battle with illness. RIP.
Sara Patterson, Comment on the Obituary, January 29, 2025
Maggie was married to my Dad. They had a pretty good time together. Lots of travels and adventures. She was my step mum for over 35 years. But she was so much more. We even agreed that she hated calling me her stepdaughter, and I, my stepmum. Maggie was the strongest woman I have ever met. Slightly intimidating too! But goodness me was She is interesting, knowledgeable and very well traveled. She knew something about everything, and she had the driest wit. Always delivered with a look and a twinkle in her eye. She was my biggest supporter and gave the best advice. I only wish we had lived closer, as I never saw her anywhere near enough. Maggie you fought such a brave fight. I hope you are at peace now and that they have Midsomer Murders up there xx
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| Doubtless Bay |
Maggie Murray Lee was a brilliant photographer. She captured some of the best images we had and which I hope still live in UNICEF’s photo archives. But her talents went beyond her mastery of photography. She was a skilled media officer and an excellent colleague.
ReplyDelete“Maggie had a very big heart full of compassion and empathy as was evident in her wonderful work especially from Cambodia and West Africa. And she had a distinctive laugh which was very endearing.
“After she retired she became a very good painter and thus we discovered another mutual interest: our love of painting. We went from being good colleagues to becoming good friends. I am deeply saddened to get this news. I will miss her very much.”
Thanks and warm regards
Mehr
I cared very much for Maggie and spent many days/hours with her both in NY and Geneva. She was a pioneer staff photographer for Unicef and, in her final years in her native N Zealand, an accomplished water colourist. And always an adventurous and caring soul. Was last in touch with her in 2020, the year she turned 80!
ReplyDeleteHope to write and share a little tribute to her soon.
Greetings and best to all of you.
Ellen
Our paths did not cross while in UNICEF, so I did not meet Maggie in person, but through her amazing artwork … her water paintings are without doubt a feast for the eyes. We stayed in post UNICEF when she shared her creative talents for all XUNICEF readers to enjoy. Rest in Peace dear Maggie.
ReplyDeleteI remember Maggie fondly and we shared many communication stories and experiences over the years during the CSR. I eventually took over the global communication fund for innovative artistic projects she started with Morton Giersing in DOC NYHQ. Our last joint project together was in 1996 which featured ‘Puppets with a Purpose’ celebrating the contribution of puppets in Health Education for children. It brought together experts from Indonesia and Sesame Street to share experiences and ideas that later inspired animators and producers of children’s TV. She was a brilliant visual artist in her own right. I’m so sorry to hear of her passing.RIP Maggie.
ReplyDeleteMay you Rest in Power among the beautiful Stars, Dear Maggie! Gulbadan Habibi
ReplyDeleteBernadette, Thank you for letting us know about Maggie's passing into the stardust (as Robert Cohen says). Makes me sad that another force for good has transitioned.
ReplyDeleteDear Maggie,
ReplyDeleteSuch sad and unacceptable news. You were a great colleague, and a dear friend over many years. Your talents were numerous, at times unexpected, always enthusiastic and creative - in your photography and as manager of the global communication fund. Later painting became your passion. After work, you visited us in France, one of your home countries, and we visited you in New Zealand. Such a solid contribution in many different roles, - thank you for your friendship, and for all the laughter. Rest well, Morten