Diana Isaac

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Diana Isaac

Bronze bust of Lady Diana Isaac as part of the Twelve Local Heroes sculpture
Born Diana Gilbert
(1921-09-02)2 September 1921
Devonshire, England
Died 23 November 2012(2012-11-23) (aged 91)
Christchurch, New Zealand
Years active 1947–2012
Spouse(s) Neil Isaac (married 1946, died 1987)
Relatives Catherine Isaac (niece)

Diana Isaac, Lady Isaac ONZM QSM (née Gilbert, 2 September 1921 – 23 November 2012) was a New Zealand conservationist, businesswoman, philanthropist and arts patron who supported a wide range of projects within Canterbury. She was best known for co-founding and running Isaac Construction with her husband Sir Neil Isaac.

Biography

Isaac was born and raised in England and worked for the British Army in India for three years while in her 20s before settling in Christchurch in 1950.[1] She was the aunt of Catherine Isaac.[2]

Contributions and recognition

Isaac contributed to Canterbury through the creation of scholarships at Lincoln and Canterbury universities, sponsoring the Isaac Theatre Royal, supporting the Christchurch Art Gallery and setting up the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation.[3] She was also the main driving force behind the creation of Peacock Springs, a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Christchurch.[4]

Isaac was awarded the Queen's Service Medal for community service in the 1990 Queen's Birthday Honours[5] and became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2009 New Year Honours for services to business, conservation and the community.[6] In March 2009, Isaac was commemorated as one of the Twelve Local Heroes for her work in Christchurch, and a bronze bust of her was unveiled outside the Christchurch Arts Centre.

In 2010 she was one of three finalists for Senior New Zealander of the Year.[7]

She died at home on 23 November 2012.[8] Catherine Isaac and Dame Malvina Major spoke at her funeral, which was held at the Church of St Michael and All Angels in the Christchurch Central City, with Bishop Victoria Matthews officiating.[9]

References

  1. ↑ Gates, Charlie (18 October 2012). "It's official: Lady Isaac is now a Kiwi". The Press (Christchurch, New Zealand). Retrieved 30 October 2012. 
  2. ↑ "Diana, Lady Isaac dies". The Press. 24 November 2012. Retrieved 24 November 2012. 
  3. ↑ "Diana, Lady Isaac". Christchurch City Council. Retrieved October 30, 2012. 
  4. ↑ Crean, Mike (26 November 2012). "Colourful First Lady's legacy endures". The Press (Christchurch, New Zealand). Retrieved 26 November 2012. 
  5. ↑ The London Gazette: (Supplement) no. 52174. p. 31. 16 June 1990. Retrieved 16 January 2014.
  6. ↑ "New Year Honours List 2009". Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet. 31 December 2008. Retrieved 16 January 2014. 
  7. ↑ Fox, Michael (January 2, 2010). "Inaugural New Zealander of the Year award finalists". The Press (Christchurch, New Zealand). Retrieved October 30, 2012. 
  8. ↑ Gillies, Abby (24 November 2012). "Prime Minister pays tribute to Lady Diana". The New Zealand Herald. Retrieved 24 November 2012. 
  9. ↑ King, Caroline (30 November 2012). "Lady Isaac leaves 'the world a better place'". The Press. p. A5. 
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