Brighton community champion Maureen Harkess remembered as a unique force for good
Maureen Harkess, a dedicated Brighton community organiser who spent decades bringing people together through Mosaic, has died aged in her later years.
A life devoted to bringing people together
Brighton has lost a cherished community champion with the passing of Maureen Harkess, a dedicated organiser who spent decades bringing people together and ensuring no one felt alone.
Maureen, who died on September 18, was a leading figure in Brighton's multicultural community through her work with Mosaic, an organisation that supports black and mixed-parentage families. Those who knew her best describe her as a unique and irreplaceable presence whose warmth and determination changed countless lives.
From Jamaica to Hangleton
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Maureen moved to London where she met her husband, Gordon. The couple settled in Scotland to raise their two children before eventually making Hangleton, East Sussex, their home. Before her community work, Maureen worked as a midwife at Royal Sussex County Hospital, a role that exemplified her lifelong commitment to caring for others.
Making a difference through Mosaic
When Maureen retired from nursing, she became central to Mosaic's mission. Her friend Nikki Jumaine, 84, said: "She was a force to be reckoned with and she ran so many things in Brighton."
At Mosaic, Maureen organised community meals, theatre trips, educational events and family outings. She was constantly recruiting volunteers, befriending members of the community at markets, and speaking on the radio about the organisation's work. Her energy and enthusiasm were infectious, with colleagues describing how she seemed overjoyed to find an organisation that aligned so perfectly with her values.
A wise and compassionate mentor
Those closest to Maureen speak of her extraordinary listening skills and wise counsel. Nikki recalled: "If you had a problem, she would sit there and talk to you and she always listened to you."
Her impact extended far beyond advice-giving. Nikki said Maureen helped her raise her foster child while encouraging young people to embrace their heritage and offering practical help whenever needed. "Nothing was too much trouble," Nikki reflected.
Describing Maureen's presence in her life, Nikki added: "She was my oak tree. I felt like when I'm with her, I could sit in between her branches and her arms would come round me and hug me if I was feeling down. I felt secure with her."
Inclusion at the heart of everything
Maureen's commitment to inclusion was evident in every decision she made. Jan Harnden, 67, recalled a local outing to Hastings where Maureen ensured that Josephine, a 90-year-old Indian woman with poor eyesight, could participate fully. "That's what mattered to Maureen, for everybody to be included as much as possible," Jan said.
Jan and Nikki agree that Maureen's influence reached people of all ages across the community. Her warmth, determination and unique ability to connect people will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
Source: Community champion remembered as 'unique' force in tributes from friends