Diana Isaac facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Diana Isaac
ONZM QSM
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| Born |
Edna Marie Gilbert
2 September 1921 Devon, England
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| Died | 23 November 2012 (aged 91) Christchurch, New Zealand
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| Years active | 1947–2012 |
| Spouse(s) |
Neil Isaac
(m. 1946; died 1987) |
| Relatives | Catherine Isaac (niece) |
Diana Isaac, also known as Lady Isaac, was a very important person in New Zealand. She was born Edna Marie Gilbert on September 2, 1921, and passed away on November 23, 2012. She was known for many things: she helped protect nature, ran a successful business, gave money to good causes, and supported art. She helped many projects in the Canterbury area of New Zealand. Most people knew her for starting a company called Isaac Construction with her husband, Sir Neil Isaac.
Diana Isaac's Life Story
Diana Isaac was born in Devon, England, in 1921. She grew up there. During World War II, she joined the British Army. While traveling on a ship to India, she met Neil Isaac, who was from Timaru, New Zealand. They got married in New Delhi, India, in 1946.
Diana worked for the army in India for three years. Then, in 1950, she and Neil moved to Christchurch, New Zealand. That same year, they started their own company, Isaac Construction. This company became very successful.
In 2012, just before she passed away, Diana officially became a New Zealand citizen. The mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, held a special ceremony for her at her home. Diana Isaac was also the aunt of Catherine Isaac.
Helping the Community
Diana Isaac helped the Canterbury region in many ways. She created scholarships to help students study at Lincoln University and the University of Canterbury. She also supported the Isaac Theatre Royal, a famous theatre, and the Christchurch Art Gallery.
One of her biggest contributions was setting up the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation. She was also the main person behind creating Peacock Springs. This is a special place on the edge of Christchurch where wildlife is protected.
Awards and Recognition
Diana Isaac received several important awards for her work.
- In 1990, she was given the Queen's Service Medal. This award recognized her great service to the community.
- In 2009, she became an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit. This was for her contributions to business, protecting nature, and helping the community.
In March 2009, Diana Isaac was honored as one of the Twelve Local Heroes in Christchurch. A bronze statue, called a bust, of her was placed outside the Christchurch Arts Centre. This showed how much she was admired. In 2010, she was also one of the top three finalists for Senior New Zealander of the Year.
Diana Isaac passed away at her home on November 23, 2012. Her funeral was held at the Church of St Michael and All Angels in Christchurch. Her niece, Catherine Isaac, and famous singer Dame Malvina Major spoke at the service.
