Hanan, Susanna (1870–1970)

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Hanan, Susanna (1870–1970)

New Zealand governess, singer and social-welfare worker. Name variations: Susanna Murray. Born Susanna Murray, July 1, 1870, at Wallacetown, New Zealand; died on Feb 12, 1970, in Dunedin, New Zealand; dau. of John Murray (dairyman) and Louisa (Boddy) Murray; m. Josiah Alfred Hanan (lawyer), 1902 (died 1954); children: 2 sons.

Worked as governess throughout 1890s; gained reputation as talented singer and pianist in Southland area (1880s); following marriage, became interested in numerous social causes, including infant-welfare movement; founding member of Invercargill branch of Society for the Health of Women and Children (Plunket Society) (1910–25); also active in New Zealand Free Kindergarten Union (1912); helped to establish Southland branch of British Red Cross Society during WWI; with husband, represented New Zealand at coronation of George VI (1937).

See also Dictionary of New Zealand Biography (Vol. 3).