Curtin, Elsie (1890–1975)

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Curtin, Elsie (1890–1975)

Australian prime-ministerial wife. Born Elsie Needham, Oct 4, 1890, in Ballarat, Victoria, Australia; died June 24, 1975, in Cottesloe, Perth, Western Australia; m. John Curtin (14th prime minister of Australia, 1941–1945), April 21, 1917; children: Elsie (b. 1917); John (b. 1921).

Lived with parents in Cape Town, South Africa (1898–1910); at 17, joined the Social Democratic Federation there; moved back to Australia, settling in Hobart; was an active member of the Labor women's organization; joined husband on official wartime visits to Washington and Ottawa (1944); after husband died in office (July 5, 1945), continued working with the Labor Party for next 20 years. Named Commander in the Order of the British Empire (1970).