Ellen, Mary Ann (1897–1949)

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Ellen, Mary Ann (1897–1949)

New Zealand women's advocate. Name variations: Mary Ann Edington. Born June 18, 1897, in Glasgow, Scotland; died Aug 19, 1949, at Waikuku Beach, New Zealand; dau. of Edward and Mary Ann (Rogers) Edington; m. Horace Ellen, 1921 (died 1949); children: 2 sons.

Immigrated to New Zealand (1920); was active in Plunket Society and became secretary of Woodend School Committee (1938–40); was founder and served as president of Woodend-Waikuku branch of Women's Division of New Zealand Farmers' Union (1932–36); was active in improving lives of rural women and established union's emergency housekeeper plan to assist mothers at childbirth; was the 1st woman to win seat on North Canterbury Electric Power Board (1935) and served as deputy chair (1944–45); during WWII, chaired Women's War Service Auxiliary; elected to North Canterbury Hospital Board (1947). Received British Empire medal (1946).

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

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