Gerda Hnatyshyn
Karen Gerda Hnatyshyn CC (/nəˈtɪʃən/ nə-TISH-ən; née Nygaard Andreasen; born 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) is a former viceregal consort of Canada, who held the role from 1990 to 1995 during her husband Ray Hnatyshyn's term as Governor General of Canada.[1]
She attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in dietetics and nutrition. After an internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, she worked as a hospital dietitian in Saskatoon and Ottawa.[2] She married Hnatyshyn in January 1960.[3] The couple had two sons, John Georg Hnatyshyn and Carl Andrew Nygaard Hnatyshyn.[3]
As the spouse of a Governor General, she was also invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada upon Ray Hnatyshyn's swearing-in.
In 1993, she hosted the premiere of an educational video promoting the importance of a healthy diet for people living with HIV/AIDS.[4]
She co-authored Rideau Hall: Canada's Living Heritage, a book about the history of Rideau Hall, in 1995, with the proceeds going to make purchases of art and furnishings for the official residence.[5] She also worked with the Canadian Heritage Garden Foundation to develop a heritage garden in the grounds of Rideau Hall.[6]
Gerda Hnatyshyn is currently president and chair of the Hnatyshyn Foundation, an arts granting organization.[7]
References
- Margo Roston, "Restoring Our Heritage: Gerda Hnatyshyn worked to preserve the stately history of Rideau Hall". Ottawa Citizen, February 6, 1995.
- Greg Weston, "The New G-G". Ottawa Citizen, October 7, 1989.
- "Ray Hnatyshyn". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
- Kathleen Walker, "Video tells HIV carriers importance of eating well". Ottawa Citizen, April 12, 1993.
- Philip Hannan, "Vice-regal pomp coming to coffee table; Book describing the delights of Government House sells for the princely sum of $85". Montreal Gazette, February 6, 1995.
- Marlene Orton, "Why Canada is coming up roses: Gerda Hnatyshyn promised the nation a floral tribute. The idea certainly has taken root.". The Globe and Mail, December 23, 1998.
- "City acting student earns $10,000 grant from Hnatyshyn Foundation". Western Star, July 7, 2005.