Long-time Monaco resident, the much-loved Molly Brown passed away on Saturday, November 23, with her son, Richard, and daughter, Clare, at her side.

Molly – who had a background in both teaching and journalism – was a regular correspondent for the Riviera Reporter, with her column Monaco Murmurs, and was not always a keen follower of the official line, particularly when it came to issues of protecting the Principality’s architectural heritage.

A service will be held on Tuesday, December 10, at 16:00 at Saint Paul’s Church.

Molly’s daughter Clare remembers her mother:

“Molly was a fervent advocate for her adopted country, Monaco, and the articles she wrote for nearly thirty years in the Riviera Reporter only ever extolled its virtues, cultural and otherwise… until the word came that the Sporting d’Hiver was to be demolished. Then, if you remember, she did her best to try and save it – writing to anyone who would listen. She was also horrified when the Palais de la Plage was set for demolition. The demolition was begun in the night and she was out there, wearing a black coat and black hat trying to get in the way of the bulldozer – very Tiananmen Squarish!

“Molly went to Libya in the late 50s when my father announced he had taken a job there with the British Army. I don’t think she ever forgave him for that – but she made the most of it. She was a trained teacher and quickly found herself helping to open a school for all the American children who suddenly arrived once oil concessions were granted in the late 50s and when oil was discovered soon afterwards. She always loved to write and penned a column in a local English paper, Incidentally, by Liz, later also stringing for UPI and writing in other publications.

“Libya had been an Italian colony and most locals spoke both Arabic and Italian and so she learned Italian, thereby widening her circle to include not only the British, the Americans, the Italians, but the locals too. She threw wonderful inclusive parties that are often remembered by her friends to this day. She left Libya when life under Gadhafi became difficult, living and working in North and Central America before coming back to Europe and settling in Monaco to continue teaching. She opened the now-defunct American International School here and later taught in the Monaco school system, as well as privately.

“We are having a hard time believing that she has gone. We are heartbroken. Many people are remembering her for her laughter and wicked humour. She leaves us bereft but proud.”

PHOTO: Molly Brown enthusiastically celebrates Monaco’s National Day (provided)