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.
Read more: http://www.news.com.au/national/margaret-whitlam-dies-aged-92/story-e6frfkvr-1226302286954#ixzz1pJzO03Cs
