Ann Moqbel (née Ann Mairi Macleod) came into the world on 5 November 1946 in Glasgow — “like a firework,” as her family fondly put it — and from that moment on she lived a life full of colour, warmth, conviction, and community.

The eldest of three children born to Thomas and Mary Macleod, she grew up alongside her beloved siblings Janet and Alastair, attending Woodside School and beginning the lifelong pattern of forming friendships, loyalties, and connections wherever she went.

As a young woman in Glasgow, Ann was rarely far from music. With her best friend Linda she threw herself into the city’s vibrant scene, as a self-confessed Rolling Stones fanatic, catching The Stones, Little Richard, Bo Diddley, The Yardbirds, The Rattles, The Everly Brothers, Dusty Springfield, Gerry & the Pacemakers and many more – almost always in the Odeon on Renfield Street. These were not just nights out — they were the soundtrack to her youth, the rhythm of her independence, and the spark of her adventurous spirit.

In 1963, that spirit carried her to London. She worked as a PA at the British Glass Federation, and by sheer good fortune she was in the right place at the right time on the day The Beatles performed their legendary rooftop concert at Savile Row. Ann simply stepped outside and joined the crowd, witnessing a moment that would become part of musical history. It was exactly the sort of thing that happened to her: life seemed to place her at the heart of things.

Around 1970, Ann met the man who would become her husband, Redwan Moqbel, a doctoral student from Baghdad. They married in 1973, beginning a life that would take them between London and Glasgow, and eventually into parenthood. Their children, Sam and Marianne, were born between 1977 and 1980, and in 1981 the family returned south for work, living in High Wycombe and near Watford.

After Ann and Redwan separated, she made a brave and life‑changing decision: in January 1991, she moved with her children to the Isle of Lewis. It was a return to her Hebridean roots, and it became the place where she would build her most meaningful community, her career, and her spiritual home.

Ann was a devoted member of the Baháʼí faith throughout her life. Her home was always open — full of music, food, conversation, and the warmth of someone who believed deeply in hospitality as an expression of love.

Ann was a born organiser. Wherever she lived, she got involved. And sitting on the sidelines simply wasn't in her nature. Her community involvement was extraordinary in both breadth and longevity. She served on the Children’s Panel for more than 20 years, was a member of the North Lochs Community Council, and contributed to local health practice committees.

She was also instrumental in the creation of Isles FM, working alongside the late Rev Stanley Bennie to help establish the station. She hosted a lively Saturday morning show and later became its Managing Director, guiding it with the same energy and humour she brought to everything else.

In 1992, Ann began working as an administrator with Scottish Natural Heritage (now NatureScot), where she remained for 25 years until her retirement in 2017. She was respected, capable, and deeply committed — the sort of colleague who made workplaces better simply by being in them.

Just before retiring, Ann learned she had kidney failure. For nine years she underwent dialysis three times a week, becoming a familiar and much‑loved presence among the renal staff.

Her daughter, Marianne Greenhowe, paid heartfelt tribute to the team who cared for her, and the family expressed profound gratitude for the extra years their dedication gave them with Ann.

Even in illness, she kept her humour. She was known for her resilience, her jokes, and her ability to brighten the ward.

In the final weeks of her life, Ann received a diagnosis of oesophageal cancer. After careful discussion, her family and doctors agreed that continuing dialysis would only prolong suffering. Ann spent her last days at home on Lewis, surrounded by love, music, and peace. Those who were with her described those weeks as joyful, accepting, and full of the grace that had defined her entire life.

Ann leaves behind her children, Sam with his wife Amy and Marianne with her husband Gordon, and her four cherished grandchildren — Ollie and Tom, Evan, and Jasmine — who live in Chobham, Surrey.

In 2021, Marianne and her husband Gordon moved back to Keose Glebe to help care for Ann as her health declined, a gesture of devotion that meant the world to her.

She would have turned 80 this coming November. True to the spirit of her birth date, she had planned to celebrate with fireworks - a final burst of colour for a woman who had always brought light into the lives of others.

Ann’s life was one of service, laughter, music, and deep faith. She was a mother, mother-in-law, grandmother, sister, auntie, friend, colleague, broadcaster, volunteer, and community champion. She was the sort of person who made things happen, who made people feel welcome, and who made the world around her brighter.

Her spark remains — in her family, in the communities she strengthened, in the radio station she helped build, and in the countless lives she touched.

Ann’s funeral took place at Kinloch Hall, Balallan at 11 am on Friday 26 June, surrounded by music, family and friends from across the island and beyond, and broadcast live across streaming channels to friends overseas.

The family wishes to thank:

• Ann’s neighbours in the Glebe for their moral support and wonderful baking.
• All the nurses, both MacMillan and NHS, WICCI, the carers, and especially the The Renal Unit Team at the Western Isles Hospital where she received dialysis three days a week for the last nine years.
• A very special mention to Julie Davidson for going above and beyond and Isabelle Docherty, Cathy-Ann, Becky, Belle and the team of community nurses.
• Mina Sheppard and Ann Shaw.
• Archibald Macrae Funeral Directors, Joanna Macrae, The Laxay Cemetery staff, Ken Roddy & Anna and all at the Kinloch Historical Society & Café and the boys from Community Equipment Services – sincere thanks to you all for your care and support.

(This is an updated version of a tribute published last month and published with the permission of – and updates provided by – members of the family)