Gibbs, Mary Elizabeth (1836–1920)

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Gibbs, Mary Elizabeth (1836–1920)

New Zealand social leader. Name variations: Mary Elizabeth Waine. Born Mary Elizabeth Waine, probably on Jan 10, 1836, in Gloucestershire, England; died Oct 21, 1920, at Nelson, New Zealand; dau. of William Waine (baker) and Mary (Craddock) Waine; m. James Gibbs, 1858; children: 5 sons and 4 daughters.

Following death of husband, immigrated with children to New Zealand (1877); active in community affairs and involved in charitable work; considered to have been one of 1st women to serve on a school committee.

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 2).