Memorable Manitobans: Bertha May Blackburn “Birdie” Ellison (1921-2012)

Educator.

Born at Winnipeg on 17 May 1921, eldest daughter of Jack and Singne Blackburn, her family moved to Chatfield where she spent much of her childhood. In 1941, she began teaching at a one-room schoolhouse and later at Loudoun School (1943-1945), Kirkfield Park School (1945-1946), and Teulon School (1946-1949, 1950-1953, 1954-1957). Later in her career, she served as Vice-Principal of Assiniboine School (1964-1968) and Strathmillan School (1969-1970), and Principal of Lakewood School (1970-1981). She was married twice, first on 3 July 1944 to Albert “Ab” Ellison (1914-1981). On 7 October 1992, she married Rev. Dr. Kenneth M. Hamilton (1917-2009). She died at Winnipeg on 27 February 2012.

Sources:

Birth registration, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

“Engagement notices,” Winnipeg Free Press, 20 June 1944, page 8.

Obituary [Albert Ellison], Winnipeg Free Press, 21 February 1981, page 49.

Obituary [Kenneth Morrison Hamilton], Winnipeg Free Press, 30 June 2009.

Obituary, Winnipeg Free Press, 1 March 2012, page 28.

We thank Nathan Kramer for providing additional information used here.

This page was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Page revised: 30 January 2022

Memorable Manitobans

Memorable Manitobans

This is a collection of noteworthy Manitobans from the past, compiled by the Manitoba Historical Society. We acknowledge that the collection contains both reputable and disreputable people. All are worth remembering as a lesson to future generations.

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