Zelda Curtis

Zelda Curtis (December 1923 – 31 January 2012) was a British journalist. She joined the Communist Party during the Second World War, and later worked for two news publications. Curtis left the Communist Party when her feminist views took priority and worked in various campaigns but later returned to local politics in 1981 where she established links with her local community. She was employed by the Women's Committee of the Greater London Council, and established the Association of Greater London Older Women. In her later life, Curtis wrote in papers, made broadcasts on women's rights and pensions, and taught public speaking techniques.

Biography Early life Curtis was born in London in December 1923 to Eastern European Jewish immigrants Ada and Manny Brown. Her mother and aunt operated a millinery shop. Curtis was raised in Upper Street, Islington. When the Second World War broke out, she was evacuated to Somerset and came into contact with the Workers' Educational Association. The association helped to form her independent socialist outlook which had its origins from her father and led to Curtis being curious about miners collecting money on the streets during the 1926 General Strike. Curtis meet naval officer Gerry Curtis in 1943 and after the two began dating,

Gerry died when she was 60 and Curtis was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease. Curtis wrote pamphlets and articles and frequently made broadcasts concerning women's rights and pensions.

Later life and death Curtis taught public speaking techniques to Tanzania's Maasai warriors and edited the 1999 book Life After Work: Stories of Freedom, Opportunity and Change. In the early 2000s she met health and transport campaigner Stan Davison and the two began a relationship. Curtis participated in experimental treatments to help her deal with Parkinson's disease and trained older people to use media resources. As her disease advanced, she reduced her public appearances and preferred to work from home. Curtis died in London on 31 January 2012. She was survived by her two children, two grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Her funeral was held on 8 February at Golders Green Crematorium.