Audrey, Lady MATHESON

The Monash University community was saddened to learn that the ‘first lady of Monash’ passed away last week, aged 100 years.

Audrey, Lady Matheson, was the widow of Sir Louis Matheson, the founding Vice-Chancellor of Monash (1960-1976). She passed away on 16 November 2014 following a short illness, and is survived by her three sons.

As the ‘first lady of Monash’, a position she created and filled with great energy and commitment, Lady Matheson played an important part in helping set up the new university from scratch. Throughout her husband’s tenure she supported and complemented his role in every possible way.

She welcomed new staff and their families with enthusiasm and friendliness, and also formed a university women’s group, run on informal and democratic lines. She remained the group’s much-loved president until her death.

Monash University President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Margaret Gardner AO said Lady Matheson made an enormous contribution to the establishment of Monash University.

“She remained interested in its progress, its welfare and its people right to the end of her long and productive life,” Professor Gardner said.

“On behalf of the University community I extend my deepest sympathy to her family.”

Published in Monash Memo, 19 November 2014.