Women's Wall of Honour

Join us as we've chosen to celebrate remarkable women.

(Photo to the above: L-R: Paul Kent, President and CEO, Greater Halifax Partnership, Danny Graham, QC, Special Advisor, McInnis Copper, Rob Batherson, Senior VP Public Affairs, Colour) 

MARY ELIZABETH MASTERMAN CHURCH

Mary Elizabeth Masterman Church is known to friends and family as Babs. We honour her for her spirit of adventure and energy. She hitchhiked through Europe for a year in her twenties, taught school in her thirties and forties, became a television producer and documentary maker in her fifties, trekked the Himalayas in her sixties and paddled the Nahanni River for her seventieth birthday. Yet home has always been her centre. She gathers people together for splendid meals and lively conversations, and holds all close to her with an unwavering belief in her marriage and her family, friends and community.

JENNIFER BLOIS

We honoured our daughter Jennifer because she is bright, ambitious, and determined to be a woman who has, and will continue to make a difference in both her personal and professional pursuits. She understands “that planted within every child are the seeds of a beautiful harvest.” Jennifer absolutely radiates caring, love and fun both personally and professionally. No matter how young or old, she is always willing to extend a helping hand or a shoulder to lean on.

As we grow older, it is wonderful to realize that in Jennifer we have a daughter who demonstrates kindness in so many ways. Remarkable women come in many forms and for us our daughter inspires us every day - we are blessed for what she brings to us which is some of life’s most important things: love, happiness and laughter.

DR. MAIRI ST. JOHN MACDONALD

I wasn’t able to attend university right out of high school but rather went to work full time.  I always felt something was missing. I longed for a university education but did not think it was possible. So when an advertisement appeared in the paper for a non- credit evening class at Mount Saint Vincent University, I signed up. The instructor for this class was Dr. Mairi St. John Macdonald.

During our sessions, Dr. Macdonald saw my desire to learn and encouraged me to take a credit class. She helped build my confidence and showed me the way to obtain my goal as a mature student. Dr. Macdonald was always there with a smile and support when I needed it. It took a great many years but I succeeded and I owe it all to that first non credit class and Dr. Macdonald’s kindness, reassurance and faith. Thank you Dr. Macdonald.

JOAN WATSON (SADLER) COVEYDUCK and I. LORRAINE (SLESSOR) SADLER

My mum and granny taught me the value of education, the importance of family, the need for diplomacy, and the restorative benefits of a strong cup of tea.  They are the unsung heroes of my family and I thought this would be a fitting tribute to permanently recognize their influence and my love for them.

Lorri Neilsen glenn

GWEN HALIBURTON, ECNS

I do not often express my personal feelings but this is an opportunity that should not be missed. I am delighted to recognize Gwen Haliburton as a most appropriate nominee for the Women's Wall of Honour at Mount Saint Vincent University. More than 50 years ago, I fell in love with Gwen. In the years since then I have always been proud of her commitment as a wife, mother and volunteer. Our community has benefitted greatly from Gwen's leadership and I have watched as she quietly mentored many young women, her only reward being their success. She is part of me and I feel exactly the same today as I did those many years ago.

RUBY BLOIS

My father and I have decided to recognize my mother Ruby Blois for the Women’s Wall for many reasons and we could write a book on why she deserves this recognition, but in simple words, it is our love for her. Ruby Blois is a kind, caring woman who has spent her life in service to others. Leadership is at the core of her nature and from her beginnings as a brownie leader to her years at the IWK as a Nurse leader, she has always shown both of us, that you always dig deep for those in need. Ruby is a focused volunteer, and has been involved in helping countless organizations, most recently raising money to build Brigadoon, a camp for chronically ill children. Now, she is chairing the Leading Women committee for Project 2012. Outside of this, she never turns down a call for help from friends, family and strangers. She will fully jump in if someone is in trouble and needs a helping hand. She is kindness and love in action and deserves to be honored, thanked and recognized for all the good she brings to each and every life she touches. That’s why Dad and I wanted to do this in her honour.

JANET POTTIE MURRAY

Janet (Pottie) Murray was 18 when she graduated from Mount Saint Vincent College in 1956 as class Valedictorian with an honours degree in Philosophy and an honours diploma in Journalism. She was SMU’s first Director of Public Relations, and went from there to CBC radio as an on-air commentator. She married Dr Jock Murray, and they have four children and seven grandchildren. She chose the role of committed community volunteer, and served on many Boards, including 8 years on the MSVU Board (three as Chair); the Dalhousie BOG; the Voluntary Planning Board, Bryony House and the National Board of the CAC. Nominated by her daughter, she was named one of the Mothers of the Year by Glamour Magazine. At 74, she continues to be an independent scholar, researching and delivering papers on the History of Women in Medicine, and researching and writing books with her husband. She is a woman of imagination, intelligence and integrity.