Biography contributed by Katherine Blakeley
Mary Whyte Miller was born in 1866 in New Zealand – the daughter of James Miller, a farmer, and Margaret Miller. (See 128 Margaret Miller)
When Mary signed the suffrage petition she was living at the family farm, 'Kinpauch' near Port Molyneux.
When her sister (See 128 Helena Miller) died in 1913, leaving a young family Mary went to Dunedin to help.
After the children’s father died in 1916 she continued to live with the family.
'She undertook the task with fortitude and unselfishness of ministering to the wants of a young family.'
Mary died at her home on 20 August 1935, she is buried with her parents in the Port Molyneux Cemetery.
Her obituary said 'her home was her palace, where her numerous friends were always welcome. Like her father, she had good literary taste, combined with a wonderful memory, and was ever ready to quote the writings of her favourite poets.'
Sources
BDM online NZ https://bdmhistoricalrecords.dia.govt.nz/
DCC Cemetery Records http://www.dunedin.govt.nz/facilities/cemeteries/cemeteries-search
Otago Nominal Index http://marvin.otago.ac.nz
Papers Past https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz
Find a Grave https://www.findagrave.com/