Donaldson, Viva (1893–1970)

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Donaldson, Viva (1893–1970)

New Zealand teacher, nurse, and politician. Name variations: Viva Bedlington. Born Mar 12, 1893, in Auckland, New Zealand; died Aug 2, 1970, in Whangarei, New Zealand; dau. of Percy (surveyor) and Elizabeth Jane (Meldrum) Bedlington; m. James Donaldson (farmer, d. 1941), 1925.

Taught in Whangarei district (1922–23, 1938–49); became obstetric nurse at Glasgow Royal Maternity and Women's Hospital (1923); taught in Canada and US in exchange program until 1925; served on local branch of Plunket Society (1920s); became 1st woman to sit on Whangarei Hospital Board (1927); appointed representative on Auckland Education Board (1929); member of board of governors, Whangarei High School (1929–47); was 1st president of Whangarei branch of Women's Division of New Zealand Farmers' Union (1934); became head teacher at Maunu Children's Health Camp (c. 1949); elected to Whangarei Borough Council (1950); became justice of peace (1954). Received British Empire medal (1956).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 4).

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