20 Facts About Shirley Dysart

Shirley Theresa Dysart CM was an American-born Canadian teacher and a politician in the province of New Brunswick.

Shirley Dysart attained a number of "firsts" in New Brunswick politics.

Shirley Dysart was the first female Liberal in serve in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, the first woman to serve as the leader of a party in the provincial Legislature, the first woman to be Minister of Education and first woman to be Speaker.

Shirley Dysart's parents were both born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and in May 1927 they traveled to Waltham, Massachusetts to stay with a cousin.

Shirley Dysart often cared for her younger siblings while her parents worked.

Shirley Dysart was awarded a Beaverbrook Scholarship and studied at the University of London.

Shirley Dysart later served as chair of the board for three years, the first woman to hold the position.

Shirley Dysart was re-elected in 1978,1982,1987 and 1991, holding her seat for twenty years.

Shirley Dysart remains the only Liberal politician to win five consecutive elections in Saint John.

Shirley Dysart was responsible for a number of community projects in St John, including the rebuilding of the Imperial Theatre.

In 1991, Shirley Dysart was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the first woman to hold the position.

Shirley Dysart retired from politics in 1995, not seeking re-election in the general election of that year.

Shirley Dysart was president of the Catholic Women's League Council, president of the University of New Brunswick Alumni Council, and a member of the board of governors of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery.

Shirley Dysart served on the boards of the New Brunswick Music Festival, Theatre New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick Alumni Council, Saint John Family Services, and the Irish-Canadian Cultural Association.

In October 1996 Shirley Dysart was awarded an honorary LLD by the University of New Brunswick Saint John, and in 2000, she received a Red Cross Humanitarian Award.

Shirley Dysart was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2004.

Shirley Dysart was the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Saint John.

Dysart was married to H Eric Dysart and had one son, J E Britt Dysart.

Shirley Dysart died "after a period of failing health" on December 14,2016, at the age of 88.

Shirley Dysart was survived by her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, as well as two sisters, two brothers, and a large extended family.