Dr Pat Harrison dies aged 86
Dr Patricia Lesley Harrison of Umina has died peacefully after a short illness, while travelling in WA.
She died on October 12, aged 86.
"Patricia was a long-serving member of the local community," said her daughter-in-law Ms Meg Farquhar.
"She was a champion for women's right, first (and only) female Mayor of Gosford and a long-serving medical practitioner.
"Pat started her vocation as a doctor of medicine, qualifying at the University of London in 1959.
"After her graduation, she spent two years with the British Army in Libya as medical doctor to the army families."
Dr Harrison migrated to Australia with her husband, John, also a doctor, and her two older children in 1966 and settled in Umina.
"She then had a lifetime of working in general practice, specialising in women's health.
"Her family grew to three daughters and one son and eight grandchildren."
Ms Farquhar said: "Alongside her medical career, Pat undertook many business and public life commitments."
She was a member of the Business and Professional Women's organisation and served as its international president from 1999 to 2002.
Regionally, she was chair of The Sun media group that published two local newspapers and specialised publications in the City of Gosford.
"She was elected to the council for eight years (1983- 1991) and served as mayor for four of those years.
"She was the one the founding board for Central Coast Grammar school and was on the foundation committee for the Gosford Women's Health Centre.
"Pat also chaired the Magill Language College in Gosford, which taught English to overseas students, and served on the Board of NSW Economic Development Corporation."
She received an Order of Australia medal in 1992 for services to local government and women's affairs.
In 2000, the University of Newcastle granted her an honorary doctorate, in establishing its satellite campus at Ourimbah.
"Patricia will be dearly missed by her extended family and her many friends," said Ms Farquhar.
A celebration of Pat's life will be held at Greenway Chapel, Green Point, at 10am on Friday, November 18.
SOURCE:
Media release, 30 Oct 2022
Meg Farquhar, Warriewood