Menzies, Pattie Mae (1899 - 1995)

On 1 January 1954, Pattie Menzies was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire (Civil). The official citation, conferring the GBE to her under her married name, Mrs R. G. Menzies, read: "In recognition for her years of incessant and unselfish performance of public duty in hospital work, in visiting, addressing and encouraging many thousands of women in every State of Australia, including very remote areas, and in the distinguished representation of Australia on a number of occasions overseas."

Daughter of John William (later Senator) and May Beatrice (née Johnston) Leckie, Pattie Mae Leckie was born in Alexandra, Victoria. The eldest daughter of a farmer turned politician she attended Fintona Girls' School. In 1953 there she returned to open new buildings, along with her husband, the Rt. Hon. R. G. (later Sir Robert) Menzies.

Pattie Leckie met Robert Menzies in 1919, and the couple were married on 27 September 1920. The Menzies had four children, one of whom died at birth. Throughout their 58 years of marriage Dame Pattie was involved with charitable work whenever possible. Dame Pattie was appointed Dame Grand Cross of the Order of the British Empire in recognition of her charitable work. She received this honour nine years prior to her husband receiving his knighthood (1963).

On 19 September 1995, Kate Carnell, Chief Minister of the ACT, in a tribute to Dame Pattie, stated: "[Dame Pattie] had great concerns for her fellow citizens, particularly for women. She was mindful of the importance of recognising the role of women in the development of the nation…Dame Pattie excelled at making people feel at ease and was at home talking to people from all walks of life. She supported community work…I am sure many former girl guides and brownies…remember cleaning the silver at the Lodge for Dame Pattie as part of Bob-a-Job Week."

Dame Pattie's life spanned 96 years. During that time she lived through two world wars, the depression and the postwar reconstruction of Australia. Sir Robert (1972) and two sons predeceased Dame Pattie. In 1992 she returned from Melbourne to Canberra, where she had spent many years during the time that Sir Robert was prime minister, to live with her daughter. Dame Pattie passed away on 30 August 1995.

Children

• Henderson, Heather (1928 - )

  Dame Pattie Menzies was Heather Henderson's mother

Related Corporate Bodies

• Canberra Mothercraft Society Inc (1929 - )

  Opened post-natal residential care service building

  [1953]

Related Exhibitions

• Women in the making of Canberra

Online Resources

• National Archives of Australia, 'Robert Menzies/Pattie Menzies', in Australia's Prime Ministers, 2002, http://primeministers.naa.gov.au/meetpm.asp?pmId=12&pageName=wife. [ Details... ]

See also

• Menzies, Robert, Sir, 1894-1978, The speeches of Sir Robert Menzies. Prime Minister Menzies and Dame Pattie Menzies giving their speeches at the opening of the T.I. Power Station , Tumut Ponds of the Snowy Mountains Scheme on October 31, 1959, 1959. [ Details... ]