TORUS is saddened by the death of long standing and much respected board member, Marlene Newman who has passed away after a long illness.
Marlene was due to stand down at the Torus Annual General Meeting (AGM) this year and during her term has played a significant and central role in establishing a forward looking and challenging governance and stewardship, a notable example being the formation of the Torus Group in April 2015.
A passionate believer in tenant involvement, Marlene was instrumental in the establishment of Helena Partnerships’ Tenant and Communities Committee (TCC) in 2014.
In her role as Chair of the TCC, she helped ensure that tenants are able to express their views and have a say in how the business is run.
Rob Young, Torus Group Chief Executive said: “We are deeply saddened by the news. I’ve had the pleasure of knowing and working with Marlene for the last nine years.
“She was a dedicated supporter for tenants and young people and a friend to Helena who made a significant contribution towards helping us continue to make a difference to those who need our help most.
“She was a remarkable and inspirational woman and had such passion for St Helens, its people and communities. Marlene will be dearly missed.
“On behalf of everyone at Torus and Helena, our thoughts are with Marlene’s family at this sad time.”
Peter Styche, Chair of Helena Partnerships and Graham Burgess, Torus Group Chair, jointly paid tribute to Marlene; “In Marlene we had an amazing supporter for housing and for the town of St Helens.
“She was tirelessly committed to ensuring that young people had the very best opportunity to thrive and we believe that this will be her legacy.
“We have lost a true friend and supporter and our thoughts go out to the Marlene’s family.”
