It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our friend and colleague Maria Arnold.
Maria passed away peacefully, surrounded by her children and family, on the morning of Tue 5 Jul after a short illness.
A kind and genuinely funny human being, Maria was known for her honesty, her principles and her commitment to fighting injustice for other people. She was first employed at EVOC in 2015, in a role focused on adult health and wellbeing. She championed people and communities with lived experience – helping inform our work and fight for improvements across services.
The impact she made was, and will continue to be, felt in the areas of drug and alcohol support and through the development of Thrive – an innovative, multi-disciplinary approach to mental health that is focused on culture change.
A Memorial for Maria
As Maria’s life, both professionally and personally, has spanned environmental and mental health causes, her family have chosen to celebrate her life by raising funds with the intention of planting a small community orchard in her memory.
The project is in its very early stages, but in the coming weeks the team at EVOC will support the development of this community-based memorial to a much-loved friend and colleague.
You can find out more about the early plans for the memorial or donate here.
Share Your Memories of Maria
If you have a photo, a story or an anecdote you would like to share – we would love to hear from you: [email protected]
Everyone at EVOC will miss Maria so very much.
Bridie Ashrowan, Chief Executive
An amazing colleague and such a compassionate driven woman. Maria was such a feisty, fabulous force – so sorry for the loss to her family, friend, colleagues and to all who she fought for.
dx
Such tragic news and the loss of a vibrant, feisty and energetic lovely person. Maria was forthright and outspoken, with a great sense of humour and always went the extra mile. My heart goes out to her family, friends, colleagues and all who loved her. She will be hugely missed.
An awful shock…I sat with Maria at meeting from the PSP though to Thrive.
She was so committed to her work and was so sharp of mind and knowledgeable on a board range of subjects.
My heart goes out to her family, to her friends and EVOC colleagues.and all those who knew her well.
What a profound waste and loss to all of us…to humanity.
I’ve just heard about Maria’s passing. I’m so very sorry for her family, friends and colleagues at EVOC. I worked with Maria during the Mental Health PSP several years ago and will always remember her for her passion, drive to make genuine change and her sense of humour. So very sad.
I’ve just learned the news of Maria’s sudden death. I’m totally shocked. Such a young and energetic person! It’s awfully sad; my heart goes out to all those who loved her, in particular her family and close friends.
Desperately sad news. I was so shocked. Maria was a wonderful person, – inspiring, easy to work with and great fun to bump into in the street for a chat.
My deepest sympathy to all who love her.
Our sympathies are with everyone who knew Maria, The Ripple has worked with Maria over the years and we will miss her
Very sad and shocking news, sincere condolences to Maria’s family friends, and colleagues from everyone in Milan.
Remembering Maria. Such an energetic and committed person. Such sad news for everyone who enjoyed working with her
Ruth
Edinburgh Carers Council
How sad for her family and the wider EVOC community. Life is so unfair when it is somebody in their prime of life with much to offer to others. I did not know Maria well but when we first met I was inspired by her honesty and integrity.
I’m so sorry to here this. It is very sad to lose a colleague especially after these difficult years of the pandemic. We lost a wonderful member of staff earlier this year. Sending kind thoughts to all at EVOC from Kindred.
Sending all our best wishes to everyone at EVOC. We have wonderful memories of Maria and will never forget her fierce support of our work. I can only imagine how much you will miss her.
This is such a shock. My most sincere condolences to Maria’s family, friends and colleagues. Maria was an amazing support to me after our project missed out on the health and social care funding. She was kind, empathetic and provided practical support too. A terrible loss to all.