Rosemary Thorp 85 died in Malvern after leading local refugee charity with dedication and high standards
Obituary: Rosemary Thorp
Rosemary Thorp passed away at the age of 85 in November 2025. She is survived by her husband Tim Thorp, two children, and six grandchildren.
Involvement with Malvern Welcomes
Mrs. Thorp lived in Malvern since the early 1970s. She became a trustee and volunteer for Malvern Welcomes in 2017, three years after the charity started. The charity helps resettle refugees in the Malvern Hills area by providing practical assistance and advice.
After joining, Mrs. Thorp took on a strong leadership role. She reviewed the charity’s policies and insisted on high standards. The charity praised her empathy towards volunteers and beneficiaries.
A spokesperson for Malvern Welcomes said, “With her formidable intellect, Rosemary challenged us with highly pertinent and incisive questions, guiding the ethos of our charity.” They added, “Her insistence that we should always work to the highest possible standards was balanced with her care and consideration for the volunteers and for each of the individuals whom we support.”
Career at the University of Oxford
Before her work in Malvern, Mrs. Thorp worked for 37 years at the University of Oxford. She held various positions, including director of the Latin American Centre and head of the Oxford Department of International Development.
Diego Sánchez-Ancochea, associate head for people at the Social Science Division at the university, paid tribute to her work. He said, “Rosemary was an institution builder, full of energy and passion.” He noted her central role in the development of the Latin American Centre and her impact as an educator.
Legacy and Condolences
Malvern Welcomes stated that her experience and her role as chair of trustees for Oxfam helped the charity progress. A spokesperson expressed condolences to Tim, her husband, and acknowledged his support during her work with Malvern Welcomes.
“There was always a warm and generous welcome in their home where meetings were often held,” the spokesperson added.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Name | Rosemary Thorp |
| Age at Death | 85 |
| Date of Death | November 2025 |
| Survived By | Husband, 2 children, 6 grandchildren |
| Charity Involvement | Malvern Welcomes (since 2017) |
| Previous Employment | University of Oxford (37 years) |
| Notable Roles | Director of Latin American Centre, Head of International Development |
