21 Facts About Pattie Deakin

Elizabeth Martha Anne "Pattie" Deakin CBE was a leading advocate for creches, kindergartens and playgrounds in Australia.

Pattie Deakin was the wife of Alfred Deakin, the second Prime Minister of Australia.

Pattie Deakin was the eldest daughter and fifth of eleven children born to Elizabeth and Hugh Junor Browne.

Pattie Deakin's father was born in Scotland and arrived in Australia via the Colony of Natal.

Pattie Deakin established a successful distillery near Princes Bridge and was chairman of the Broadmeadows Road Board.

Pattie Deakin's mother was born in England, the daughter of an Anglican clergyman.

Pattie Deakin's paternal grandfather was a Church of Scotland minister and married the daughter of the chief of Clan Matheson.

Pattie Deakin studied for matriculation but did not take the exams.

Pattie Deakin established a seance circle at their home and Pattie frequently served as medium.

Pattie Deakin began seriously courting her after her 18th birthday in 1881, and proposed marriage in July.

Pattie Deakin's father gave only qualified approval, concerned about Alfred's social standing and lack of independent means.

Pattie Deakin became president of the Victorian Neglected Children's Aid Society.

The popularity of the model creche, which Pattie Deakin ran, led to the establishment of the Association of Creches, of which she was the first president.

The Free Kindergarten Union was formed similarly; Pattie Deakin was president of that too.

Revenue from the exhibition helped form the Bush Nursing Association; Pattie Deakin became a member of the committee.

For twenty years Pattie Deakin worked with the Melbourne District Nursing Society, first as president, and subsequently as a life vice-president.

Pattie Deakin became the first president of the Girl Guides and the only female member of the Australian Imperial Forces Canteen Fund Trust.

Pattie Deakin held this position until her death when her daughter Vera Deakin White took her place.

Pattie Deakin was awarded the Commander of the Order of the British Empire for her contribution to public life.

Pattie Deakin was widowed in 1919, and died on 30 December 1934.

Pattie Deakin was buried alongside Alfred at St Kilda Cemetery.