Deakin, Pattie (1863–1934)

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Deakin, Pattie (1863–1934)

Australian prime-ministerial wife. Born Elizabeth Martha Anne Browne, Jan 1, 1863, in Australia; died Dec 30, 1934, Point Lonsdale, Victoria; m. Alfred Deakin (2nd prime minister of Australia, 1903–04, 1905–08, 1909–10), April 3, 1882; children: Ivy Deakin (b. 1883, as Lady Ivy Brookes, was on the executive council of the National Council of Women, Victoria [1912–40]); Stella Deakin Rivett (b. 1886, research chemist), and Vera Deakin White (b. 1891).

Active in the delegation lobbying for the Commonwealth of Australia Constitution Bill (1900); participated in the ceremonial opening of the 1st parliament (May 9, 1901); organized a national Exhibition of Women's Work (1907); active in the "Deakinite" Liberal Party. Named Commander of the British Empire (CBE, 1935).

See also Diana Langmore, Prime Ministers' Wives (McPhee Gribble, 1992).