Friend, former work colleague and my career coach
My dear friend Hilary, we first met some 31 years ago in Greenford at Glaxo, where we were both starting our working life, you as a school leaver and me fresh from university. We soon realised that we had a shared history as we had both come from the same area of Surrey and we knew well the schools we had attended and shared a common local teenage experience. Hilary was bold, strong and ambitious and through her outgoing character was soon well known and loved across the many medicinal chemistry teams at Greenford. She more than held her own as a minority female scientist amongst a mostly grey male group and shone brightly. Her strengths of hard work, integrity, and never failing to give an honest opinion, meant Hilary became a valued member of the teams in which Hilary worked. Hilary’s natural enthusiasm and friendly nature meant she played a full role in social activities, and I remember many good times with her at the Black Horse in Greenford. Hilary was not one to settle for her situation, and whilst still working committed to and succeeded in completing her degree at the University of Hertfordshire. During this period Hilary relocated like me along with many others from London to the local Beds and Herts area. Hilary quickly settled into the new life of being part of the Henlow village. Still, Hilary also supported others like myself and my wife Paula as we transitioned to our new lives in the countryside, whilst being an active member of her village community. Hilary showed her bold and brave character when she left GlaxoWellcome to become a recruitment consultant at SRG. Although we no longer worked together, we maintained our friendship.
Hilary and Jason were always wonderful hosts and understanding friends in the chaos that often came with our busy family life. Paula has done her hair for many years, and Hilary would always fill the hair salon with positivity, stories, jokes and laughter. Paula so deeply misses her creativeness and quirky character, that no one can replace. Our professional paths crossed again in 2018 as Hilary wholeheartedly and energetically supported me as I transitioned from full-time work to becoming a consultant. Hilary helped me in so many ways, encouraging me, cajoling me, educating me always with good humour and any success that I have might have must be in some part due to her excellent advice and mentoring. I, no doubt, along with many others, cannot believe her passing, as Hilary, had so much energy, humanity and met life with such good humour that Hilary shall always be remembered with a smile. To wherever Hilary has now gone, it will be their gain, and no doubt already has them busy crocheting as she chats and laughs with all those around her. We were privileged to have known Hilary, worked with her, enjoyed many laughs and joy with her and to have counted Hilary as a friend who could always be relied upon. Until we meet again, sleep tight, our dear friend. Rick & Paula Cousins