A collection of tributes and information relating to Mary's life and work
Mary Montague passed away on the 20th September 2024 in the Royal
Victoria Hospital Belfast with her family at her side.
Mary dedicated her life to peacebuilding, mediation, and reconciliation. Her
work touched communities in Northern Ireland and far beyond, and those who
worked with her remember not only her skill as a mediator but also her warmth,
courage, and humanity.
People who knew Mary often speak of her remarkable ability to bring people together
in the most difficult circumstances. She believed that dialogue, patience, and
respect could transform conflict into understanding.
A Peacebuilder Who Connected People
Colleagues from the international peacebuilding community have described Mary as a
person with a rare gift for building trust. She had the ability to listen
deeply, understand different perspectives, and help people find common ground.
Those who worked with her say she brought wisdom, calmness, and determination into
every mediation effort. She helped train mediators and peace practitioners in
many parts of the world, leaving behind a lasting influence through the people
she mentored.
A Legacy of Peace
Mary’s legacy lives on in the countless individuals she encouraged and trained to
continue the work of reconciliation. Her contribution reminds us that peace is
built not only by governments and treaties, but also by ordinary people who
commit themselves to dialogue and understanding.
Her work demonstrated that lasting peace requires patience, empathy, and the courage
to listen.
Remembering Mary
Many people remember Mary not only for her professional achievements but also for her
kindness, humour, and energy. She brought warmth into every room she entered and
treated everyone with respect and dignity.
Friends and colleagues often recall her enthusiasm for life, her generosity of
spirit, and the encouragement she gave to others working for peace.
Share Your Memories
If you knew Mary Montague or worked with her, we invite you to share your memories
and reflections so that her story and legacy can continue to inspire others.
Mary was confidential in all aspects to her work, never been interviewed or
given statements about it, therefore names can be withheld if requested.
Together we can preserve the memory of a remarkable woman whose life was dedicated to
building peace.
