15 Facts About Margaret Whitlam

Margaret Elaine Whitlam was an Australian social campaigner, author, and athlete.

Margaret Whitlam was a representative of Australia in swimming at the 1938 British Empire Games in Sydney.

Margaret Whitlam's husband was Gough Whitlam, the 21st Prime Minister of Australia from 1972 to 1975.

Margaret Whitlam attended SCEGGS Darlinghurst, where she excelled at sport.

Margaret Whitlam graduated with a Diploma of Social Studies, and then began working at Parramatta District Hospital.

Margaret Whitlam's husband was elected to federal parliament in 1952 and became federal opposition leader and parliamentary leader of the Australian Labor Party in 1967.

Margaret Whitlam was described as "deeply and loyally in love" with her husband.

In between Stephen and Catherine, in about 1952 or 1953, Margaret Whitlam had miscarried another child.

Margaret Whitlam faced widespread public criticism about her proactive role; however she refused to limit herself to traditional preconceptions.

Margaret Whitlam was a regular guest speaker on radio and television, and wrote a column for the magazine Woman's Day, where she offered an insight into the life of a prime minister's wife.

Margaret Whitlam was outspoken about the dismissal of the Margaret Whitlam government in 1975, saying she told her husband that he should have torn up the letter of dismissal from the Governor-General, Sir John Kerr.

Mrs Margaret Whitlam criticised Mrs Howard for having no sense of humour and that she should not be holding hands with her husband in public.

Margaret Whitlam was appointed an Officer of the Order of Australia in 1983 for services to the community.

Margaret Whitlam died in a Sydney hospital on 17 March 2012, following a fall.

The Margaret Whitlam family declined an offer from the Australian Government for a state funeral.