A Green Burial for a Warrior Woman

A Green burial at Hay Meadow

Rosy was exceptional. Inspirational. A force of nature, a true warrior woman.  I never met her in life, yet the stories shared by her strong, proud, fiercely independent family left me wanting to be more — more vocal, more active, more authentic. Her farewell needed to honour that fullness, that fire, that “muchness” she carried through the world.

One of the gifts of choosing a green burial at Hay Meadow — and an open‑minded, relaxed independent celebrant — is the freedom to create something utterly unique and deeply authentic for a loved one. When families and celebrants work together with honesty and imagination, the farewell becomes a true reflection of the person at its heart.

A Green Burial at Hay Meadow

So we brought her values to her green burial at Hay Meadow: drums and singing bowls, burning sage, stories shared openly, and space held gently for everyone’s truth of their connection to her. We wove her strength, passion, and deep bond with the natural world into every moment. There was colour and creativity, art and activism. And in saying goodbye to her physical presence, we laid a foundation from which her family could begin walking the winding trails of love, loss, grief, and gratitude.

Rosy’s life was rich — overflowing with passions, adventures, experiences, and meaningful connections. Her legacy is one of strength, determination, independence, compassion, creativity, advocacy, and inclusion. She lived exactly as she presented: unapologetically herself. And if you were in her orbit, she saw your truth too, and loved you because of it (or occasionally in spite of it!).

“No regrets, no second guess, She holds her heart with soft finesse. For every choice was hers to make, A path she carved, no need to fake.”

Rosy was a teacher, an explorer, an artist, a hippie, an anarchist, an activist, a rescuer. She held strong socio‑political values and pushed back against traditional expectations from a young age. She was a rebel with a cause — principled, alternative, fiercely independent, and utterly uninterested in the opinions of those who didn’t understand her. She lived by her ideals and stood firm in her principles. If someone didn’t like that, well… tough. Some may have called her stubborn; I think she simply knew her own mind.

Inspirational Green Burial at Hay Meadow

I would have liked her enormously. Seeing the impact she had on her family and friends, I know I admire her deeply. Her life left a profound legacy — a strength and drive for justice in all who knew her. Even without meeting her, she has rippled into my life through her incredible family, leaving an indelible mark. In adversity, I take strength from Rosy. In determination, I borrow a little of her fire. And I remind myself to make time for the things I am most passionate about. Her life continues to shape mine.

Rosy was a member of the Socialist Workers Party, one of the Greenham Common Women, and she lived her ideals with unwavering commitment.

She embraced an alternative lifestyle, rejecting the trappings of capitalism and moving between artists’ squats and communes with a small child in tow. She spent long periods with Berber women in Morocco, living among them and travelling across North Africa. Despite the limitations of arthritis, she crossed the Sahara on the back of grain trucks and chose a mud‑brick home high in the Moroccan mountains — accessible only by donkey, her wheelchair strapped alongside. The stories I heard were incredible, awe‑inspiring, and deeply aspirational. Her children and grandchildren, who knew her best, feel exactly the same.

Rosy lived in harmony with the natural world. She foraged, collected wool from sheep, goats, and even dogs, spinning and weaving it into her art. She used plants for dyeing, healing, nourishment, and medicine. She lived simply, creatively, and with profound intention.

Aspire to be “More Rosy”

May we all aspire to be a little more “Rosy”:

• A little more comfortable in our own skin
• A little stronger in our fight for those less able or fortunate
• A little more willing to dance in the rain
• A little more committed to our values
• A little more open to embracing every moment