Bertha Wilson

The Honourable Bertha Wilson (Known as "Madam Justice Wilson")

First Woman Appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada, Charter of Rights Pioneer

Born Dec 18, 1923

Kirkcaldy (Fife), Great Britain

Passed Away Apr 28, 2007 Ottawa, Canada

Lifespan 83 years old

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Notice / Correction

"The right to life, liberty and security of the person cannot be separated from human dignity and equality."

Archival Overview

Pioneering jurist who became the first female Justice of the Supreme Court of Canada in 1982, authoring landmark Charter rulings on reproductive rights, battered woman syndrome, and gender equality.

Biographical Record

Immigrating to Canada from Scotland with her minister husband, Wilson graduated from Dalhousie Law School in 1957, breaking gender barriers as a partner at Osgoode O'Connor in Toronto and becoming the first woman on the Ontario Court of Appeal.

Appointed to the Supreme Court by Pierre Trudeau in 1982, Wilson wrote groundbreaking decisions during the formative years of the Charter, notably striking down the abortion law in R. v. Morgentaler (1988) on the grounds of women's liberty, and recognizing battered woman syndrome in R. v. Lavallee.

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Rest in Peace Forever remembered and cherished Your legacy lives on in all of us With deep gratitude for your life and light

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Final Resting Place

Perpetual Memorial

Beechwood Cemetery
Ottawa, Canada

                         GPS: 45.4450, -75.6600                    

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