One of Australia's most remarkable and well-loved women, Margaret Whitlam has died at the age of 92.
She was married to former Australian Prime Minister Gough Whitlam for almost 70 years. Their platinum wedding was to have been celebrated next month. Platinum for a partnership that is "strong, precious and rare”.
Mrs Whitlam had been in hospital since suffering a fall at home in Sydney last month.
Mr Whitlam released a statement:
''She was a remarkable person and the love of my life,'' he said.
''We were married for almost 70 years. She encouraged and sustained me and our four children, their families and many other people in a life full of engagement with Australians from all walks of life.''
Gough and Margaret Whitlam with the Emperor and Empress of Japan in 1973. Courtesy Museum of Australian Democracy.
This profile comes from the ABC.
Born on November 19, 1919, Margaret Elaine Dovey was the daughter of NSW Supreme Court Judge Wilfred Dovey and first rose to prominence as a champion swimmer, representing Australia in the 1938 Empire Games.
She married Gough Whitlam in April 1942 at the height of the Second World War, during which time the couple both showed an active interest in politics through their support of the election of the Curtin government in 1943.
Mrs Whitlam completed a degree in social studies at the University of Sydney in 1938, and practised as a social worker, including a three-year period at Parramatta District Hospital while Mr Whitlam was federal opposition leader.
She was also heavily involved in Mr Whitlam’s political career, working within his electorate, and as an active member of the Labor Party Women’s Conference.
She accompanied Mr Whitlam on his major overseas visits as opposition leader, including a trip to Saigon during the Vietnam war, and Mr Whitlam’s landmark visit to China, which occurred shortly before the Nixon administration announced it was normalising relations with the communist superpower.
The Whitlams had four children: sons Nicholas, Tony and Stephen, and a daughter Catherine.
“I can do some good…”
Upon Mr Whitlam’s ascension to the prime ministership Mrs Whitlam quickly known as an outspoken advocate for issues including women’s rights and conservation.
Source: http://thehoopla.com.au/vale-margaret-whitlam//
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