Memorable Manitobans: Mary Walker Dobson (1871-1955)

Educator.

Born at Cheddleton, England in December 1871, she arrived in Winnipeg with her parents in 1882. She joined the teaching staff of the Winnipeg School Board in 1890, as a teacher of Grade 1 in the two-classroom Pinkham School No. 1. Later she taught at Dufferin School, Norquay School, and Aberdeen School. She retired from teaching in 1901, married William J. Dobson on 21 October 1903 and had a daughter in 1906.

Her husband died in 1915 and, the next year, she was appointed Principal of John M. King School. She stayed there two years then took over at Albert School, staying there until 1929 when she was appointed Principal of Dufferin School. She retired in 1937 and was given the King’s Coronation Medal for distinguished service to education in Manitoba. She was a member of St. Stephen’s-Broadway United Church.

She died at Winnipeg on 13 March 1955 and was buried in Elmwood Cemetery.

Sources:

Birth and marriage registrations, Manitoba Vital Statistics.

1911 Canada census, Automated Genealogy.

Winnipeg School Days, 1871-1950 by W. G. Pearce, Winnipeg School Division, Education Resource Centre.

“Ex-school principal, Mrs. W. J. Dobson dies at age of 83”, Winnipeg Free Press, 14 March 1955, page 34.

This profile was prepared by Gordon Goldsborough.

Profile revised: 17 November 2011

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