Mary Eileen Travis was born on March 16, 1931, in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, and died on December 21, 2005, in Rothsay, New Brunswick. In 1983 Travis became the first woman to head the Saint John Board of Trade. After receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree and her Library Science degree at McGill University, Travis received many awards. Initially her career began as head Librarian of the Children’s department at Saint John’s Free Public Library.
In 1969 she moved on to become a Regional Librarian where she remained until her retirement. Following the death of her husband in a plane crash Travis became a role model for single women.
Some outstanding honors Travis received include Saint John’s Woman of the Year in 1972 as well as recipient of the Queen’s Silver Jubilee Medal in 1977. Also, Travis assisted in establishing the Hestia House Women’s Shelter. Ultimately in 2005 Mary Travis became a member of the Order of Canada.
Additional information about this notable woman can be found at the following websites:
http://famouscanadianwomen.com/famous%20firsts/Academics%20and%20Librarians.htm
http://hlwiki.slais.ubc.ca/index.php/Archivists_%26_Librarians_-_Officers_of_the_Order_of_Canada
