In Memoriam: Dr Denise Mary Magauran, DStJ

This obituary was originally published in the Spring/Summer 2026 edition of the Jerusalem Scene, available here.

Dr Denise Mary Magauran, DStJ

8^th November, 1940 – 16^th April, 2026

“Denise was sparkling with warmth, and so very, very kind. She brought such energy and fun to every occasion. She was the heart and soul of the Guild as well as a dear friend to us all.”

The words above are typical of the many tributes we have received from friends and colleagues of Denise Magauran, a wonderful person and a loyal supporter, friend and champion of St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital, Jerusalem.

Denise lived a remarkable life.  Born in Cheam, Surrey, she was educated at the Convent of the Sacred Heart, Woldingham, before taking a medical degree at Charing Cross Hospital Medical School, London, qualifying in 1963.  She quickly chose to specialise in ophthalmology, taking up surgical roles at Royal Free Hospital, London, Manchester Royal Eye Hospital, and Bart’s, London. This alone was quite an achievement: today women doctors outnumber men in the UK, but back in the 1960s women accounted for barely one-fifth of doctors, and few women were working as surgeons, or in specialist practice.

In February 1973 – aged 32, and by now a Senior Registrar at St Paul’s Eye Hospital, Liverpool – Denise came to work at the St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem for the first time, beginning an association with the Hospital and the Holy Land that continued for the rest of her life.

Interestingly, it was during this year in Jerusalem that the British Journal of Ophthalmology published a scientific paper Denise had written back in England, describing the condition spontaneous hyphema in three patients. This is a serious condition where blood accumulates in the anterior (forward) chamber of the eye without any apparent injury. It is frequently caused by diabetes and so is a condition Denise must have come across regularly in her work in Jerusalem. Like so many of the diseases we treat, spotting the condition early and acting fast is crucial for preventing further complications and possible blindness.

That year must have made a profound impression on her, for in 1992 and by this time an established Consultant, Denise returned to St John Eye Hospital, Jerusalem, first as Clinical Tutor, and then as its Chief Surgeon, a position she held until 1999.  Denise was an exceptional surgeon and dedicated ophthalmologist who used her skills, expertise and deep medical knowledge to benefit so many patients being cared for in Jerusalem and the West Bank.  So many tributes have been paid by colleagues who knew her from this time.

“All who know the Eye Hospital knew Denise. She was a dear friend and highly respected colleague who gave her time and energy selflessly to the Hospital, decade after decade. Her dedication, kindness, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression. We were all privileged to work with her: she inspired generations and embodied the ethos of St John. She will be greatly missed by us all.”

Prof David H Verity, KStJ, Order Hospitaller

Visiting Research Fellow to St John Eye Hospital in Jerusalem under the direction of Dr Magauran from 1992 to 1993

Returning from Jerusalem, Denise joined the London-based Guild – there was still a Guild operating in Jerusalem at the time – and soon after was appointed Chair, a role she undertook on two occasions. Denise always ensured that the mission to provide eye care was front and centre of the Guild’s work and was a brilliant speaker who captivated audiences with the realities of the Eye Hospital’s work, illustrating presentations with vivid anecdotes and personal experiences. Crucially, she had an overarching desire to share the successes and accomplishments of our teams, something that can too often be lost amid the perpetual challenges the Eye Hospital faces. She was a particular advocate for the mobile outreach programme and guided the Guild to support the Hospital’s nursing teams and its paediatric unit.

As one Guild colleague well puts it: “She was a bridge in many ways, linking the Hospital’s work in the occupied Palestinian territories with UK supporters and across the St John Family”.

Denise gave her time and loyal support to every Guild member and had the capacity to bring out the best in everyone. She had a delightful and infectious sense of fun, and many members of the Guild have cherished memories of enjoying laughter with her. Above all, Denise loved people and life in all its facets, and her warmth and sparkling personality enhanced all who met her.

Denise’s deep Christian faith was at the heart of all she did. Another of her Guild friends, describes this so well: “Her dedication was not only professional, but it was profoundly human and spiritual. She gave of herself with humility, courage and love, and touched so many lives through her compassion and tireless service.”

And as one of Denise’s close friends eloquently and poignantly writes “Denise has left a hole beyond our imagination in all our lives – and is already sorely missed. It is as if a light has been extinguished”.  Another friend writes: “Such a beautiful person. The world needs more people like her”.

We would like to close with these words from Dr Ahmad Ma’ali, CEO of St John of Jerusalem Eye Hospital Group:

“Denise was a dear friend and a highly respected colleague who took great pride in the work we undertake and the many achievements of the Hospital Group. She knew almost all members of staff, regardless of their titles or positions and was deeply loved. Her dedication, kindness, and genuine interest in people left a lasting impression on everyone who had the privilege of working with her. She will be greatly missed by all of us, and I personally will miss her warm humour, light-hearted jokes, and ever-present smile”.

Denise died at home in April.

Pro Fide, Pro Utilitate Hominum

The London Office would like to thank all those who contacted us with their special memories of Denise and words of condolence. With thanks to Dr Rick Warner for compiling this obituary.