A Political Wife
Her marriage brought an end to her teaching career, and Edna devoted her energies to the advancement of Diefenbaker's political career. She would visit towns before her husband so that he was prepared with information on the inhabitants. Edna also edited Diefenbaker's speeches, and often acted as chauffeur, driving him to meetings. Perhaps most importantly, Edna helped John to overcome his shyness and develop into a gregarious "man of the people", which would factor greatly in his future political successes.
Upon Diefenbaker's election as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament Edna worked tirelessly on his behalf, in an unpaid capacity. She was a constant presence in the visitor's gallery in the Canadian House of Commons, and was crucial in establishing close relationships between John and reporters in the Ottawa press gallery.
She died of leukemia in 1951. MPs in the Canadian House of Commons gave her "unprecedented eulogies" for a non-MP. Diefenbaker later married Olive Palmer, his wife during his term as Prime Minister. Edna is interred at Woodlawn Cemetery beside Diefenbaker's mother Mary, his father, brother and an uncle.
Read more about this topic: Edna Diefenbaker
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