Shirley Theresa Dysart CM (née Britt, February 22, 1928 – December 14, 2016) was an American-born Canadian teacher and a politician in the province of New Brunswick.
She attained a number of "firsts" in New Brunswick politics. She was the first female Liberal in serve in the Legislative Assembly of New Brunswick, the first woman to serve as the leader of a party in the provincial Legislature (1985), the first woman to be Minister of Education (1987–1991) and first woman to be Speaker (1991–1995). Her parents were both born in Saint John, New Brunswick, Canada, and in May 1927 they traveled to Waltham, Massachusetts to stay with a cousin. They returned to Canada when Shirley was still a baby, and she was followed by seven more children: Daniel, Raymond, Kenny, Shirley Joan, Anne, John and Gerald.<!-- Her younger brother Daniel was born in March 1929 when the family was already back in NB --> She often cared for her younger siblings while her parents worked.
Shirley and her siblings, fifth-generation residents of Saint John,
Career
After graduating college, Dysart taught at her high school alma mater, St. Vincent's High School in Saint John. She later served as chair of the board for three years, She remains the only Liberal politician to win five consecutive elections in Saint John. She was also responsible for a number of community projects in St. John, including the rebuilding of the Imperial Theatre. She was also the recipient of the Commemorative Medal for the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada, and the Paul Harris Fellowship from the Rotary Club of Saint John. She was survived by her son, daughter-in-law, and two grandchildren, as well as two sisters, two brothers, and a large extended family. Following her death, flags at Saint John City Hall were flown at half-staff as a sign of respect.