the Leader of a political party in New Brunswick. Following the 1987 election, she was appointed Minister of Education, becoming the first woman to hold the position. While serving as Minister of Education, she led the introduction of a province-wide universal, full-day public kindergarten program, becoming known as the "architect" of the province's kindergarten system. She was also responsible for a number of community projects in St. John, including the rebuilding of the Imperial Theatre. In 1991, Dysart was elected Speaker of the Legislative Assembly, the first woman to hold the position. She retired from politics in 1995, not seeking re-election in the general election of that year. In addition to her political career, Dysart held a number of community leadership positions. She was president of the Catholic Women's League Council, president of the University of New Brunswick Alumni Council, and a member of the board of governors of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery. She served on the boards of the New Brunswick Music Festival, Theatre New Brunswick, the University of New Brunswick Alumni Council, Saint John Family Services, and the Irish-Canadian Cultural Association. Honors and awards In October 1996 Dysart was awarded an honorary LLD by the University of New Brunswick Saint John, and in 2000, she received a Red Cross Humanitarian Award. She was made a Member of the Order of Canada in 2004. In 2012 she was a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. In 2015 she was named a Champion of Public Education by the national educational charity The Learning Partnership. She was also the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Saint John. Personal life Dysart was married to H. Eric Dysart and had one son, J. E. Britt Dysart. Dysart died "after a period of failing health" on December 14, 2016 at the age of 88. She was survived by her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, as well as two sisters, two brothers, and a large extended family. Following her death, flags at Saint John City Hall were flown at half-staff as a sign of respect. References 1928 births 2016 deaths New Brunswick Liberal Association MLAs Members of the Executive Council of New Brunswick Speakers of the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick Members of the Order of Canada Canadian people of American descent Canadian Roman