Gilmer, Elizabeth May (1880–1960)

New Zealand community worker, politician, and conservationist. Name variations: Elizabeth May Seddon. Born on Mar 24, 1880, at Kumara, Westland, New Zealand; died Feb 29, 1960, in Wellington, New Zealand; dau. of Richard John Seddon (politician) and Louisa Jane (Spotswood) Seddon; m. Knox Gilmer (dentist), 1907; children: 2 daughters.

Active in numerous welfare and women's organizations, including Wellington branch of Plunket Society, New Zealand Crippled Children Society, Young Women's Christian Association (YWCA), Wellington Social Club for the Blind, Wellington Unemployed Women Workers' Association, Wellington Children's Health Camp Association, National Council of Women of New Zealand, and Victoria League (1930s–40s); served as justice of peace and member of Wellington College board of governors (1934–56), and was a member of Wellington Hospital Board (1938–53); served as Wellington city councillor (1941–53); ran unsuccessfully for Parliament (1935 and 1938); also active in conservation and horticultural groups and was fellow of Royal Horticultural Society, London; served on executive committee of Women's War Service Auxiliary during WWII; member of allocation committee of housing for State Advances Corporation of New Zealand (1948–60). Named OBE (1946) and DBE (1951); received Greek Red Cross and King George V Silver Jubilee Medal (1935) and Coronation Medal (1953).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography.