Margaret Whitlam, national icon, dies aged 92
- From: News Limited newspapers
- March 17, 2012
Margaret and Gough Whitlam. Picture: News Ltd Source: News Limited
Gough and Margaret Whitlam. Picture: Supplied Source: Supplied
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MARGARET Whitlam, the wife of former Prime Minister Gough Whitlam and one of Australia's most revered public figures, has died.
She was 92.
Mrs Whitlam had been in hospital since suffering a fall at home in Sydney last month.
She is survived by Gough and their four children: Antony, Nicholas, Stephen and Catherine; her grandchildren Alex, Alice, Helen, Edward and Peter; and her great grandchildren Oscar, Isabella, Charlotte and Sam.
A statement issued on behalf of the family described Mrs Whitlam as "an outspoken advocate for women’s rights, social issues and the arts".
"She was committed to public service, and her lifetime devotion to many causes was recognised when she was appointed as an Officer in the Order of Australia in 1983.
"Her marriage to Gough in 1942 marked the beginning of a true political and personal partnership," the statement said.
"He admired her intellect, wit and commitment to improving the lives of others; she described him as 'delicious' and ensured his feet remained well-grounded."
This April would have marked the Whitlams' 70th wedding anniversary.
Mrs Whitlam's son-in-law Kim Williams described her as "a truly remarkable woman".
"Margaret had the ability to bring any occasion to life, she loved people and they loved her back. She married a hilarious sense of humour with a keen sense of social justice and an enduring devotion to her family," he said.
"She will leave a gap in so many lives but most particularly in those of her family."
Mrs Whitlam was widely regarded as a woman who broke the mould of prime ministerial spouses.
She used her unprecedented visibility as the wife of the prime minister between 1972 and 1975 to speak out on varied issues, and accompanied Mr Whitlam on high-profile trips abroad, including to China, Europe and North America.
The daughter of a NSW Supreme Court judge, Mrs Whitlam was a champion swimmer in her youth, competing in the Empire Games in 1938.
She started her career as a social worker, later working as a journalist. She was named one of Australia’s National Living Treasures in 1997.
Throughout her life she held a number of public and cultural offices, including being a director of the Sydney Dance Company between 1977 and 1982 and as inaugural chair of the Australian Opera Conference.
*Mr Williams is the chief executive of News Limited, the parent company of this publication.
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