It is with deep sadness that ISS-HK announces the passing of its beloved Vice Patron Mrs Anne Marden, who over 40 years worked tirelessly to guide and support ISS-HK in its mission. The family advised ISS-HK of her death at her home in Shek O on 31 May 2022. She was 96 years old.   

Mrs Marden joined ISS-HK as an Advisory Committee member in 1973 and became Vice Chairman in 2007. She became the Vice Patron in 2015, having retired from the Advisory Committee the previous year.

From refugee camps to centres serving new arrivals from Mainland China, Mrs Marden visited often to see conditions for herself and assess how service users and ISS-HK staff were coping, bringing comfort and hope to many. She also used her personal prominence to intervene directly with authorities for families and individuals facing extreme difficulties.  

“For all at ISS-HK, including the younger generation, Mrs Marden was simply a legend. Her heart to help refugees, asylum seekers, ethnic minorities, new arrivals struggling with life in Hong Kong, plus many others, was always open, without limit. She cared especially for vulnerable children.

Being a true humanitarian, the breadth and diversity of Anne’s lifetime of voluntary social service to Hong Kong was astonishing. ISS-HK pays highest possible tribute to Anne, we mourn her loss and offer our deepest condolences to her large family,” said Mr Stephen Yau, Chief Executive of ISS-HK.

Mrs Marden championed different causes on many fronts and helped organisations of all sizes. Her legacy is detailed in this article provided by her family.