Historical Obituary
Halifax, NS
April 5, 1854 - May 11, 1936
Nova Scotia and the wider Canadian community mourn the passing of Edith Jessie Archibald, a pioneering advocate for women’s rights and social reform, who passed away on May 11, 1936, at the age of 81. Her unwavering commitment to the advancement of women and her tireless work in the public sphere left an indelible mark on the social fabric of Nova Scotia and Canada.
Born on April 5, 1854, in St. John’s, Newfoundland, Edith Jessie Archibald moved to Halifax, Nova Scotia, as a child, where she grew up in a family with deep ties to public service and community involvement. This upbringing instilled in her a sense of responsibility and a passion for activism that would shape her entire life.
Edith became one of Nova Scotia’s leading suffragists, dedicating herself to the fight for women’s right to vote and participate fully in public life. As president of the Halifax Local Council of Women from 1895 to 1906, and later as the president of the Nova Scotia branch of the National Council of Women of Canada (NCWC), she worked to unite women from across the province and the country in the struggle for equality. Her leadership was instrumental in the eventual success of the suffrage movement in Nova Scotia, which saw women gain the right to vote in provincial elections in 1918.
Beyond her work in suffrage, Edith was also deeply involved in social reform efforts. She campaigned for improved education for girls, better working conditions for women, and the promotion of public health. Her advocacy extended to the temperance movement, where she supported efforts to reduce the harmful effects of alcohol on families and communities.
Edith Archibald was not only a social reformer but also a writer. She penned numerous articles and essays on the issues of her day, using her voice to advocate for change and inspire others to join the cause. Her eloquence and conviction made her a respected figure in both local and national circles.
Her contributions were recognized in her lifetime, but her legacy has continued to influence generations of women in Nova Scotia and beyond. Edith’s work helped to lay the foundation for the ongoing fight for gender equality in Canada.
Edith Jessie Archibald passed away in Halifax, surrounded by her family and close friends. She is remembered as a woman of courage, vision, and compassion, whose life’s work helped to transform Nova Scotia into a more just and equitable society.
A memorial service will be held at the St. Paul’s Anglican Church in Halifax, where Edith will be celebrated for her profound contributions to women’s rights and social justice.
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