Background
Isaac was born in Devon in 1921 and raised in England.
Isaac was born in Devon in 1921 and raised in England.
She joined the British Army during World World War II and was on a troopship bound for India when she met Neil Isaac from Timaru. There was a two-year period from 1956 to 1958 when a person married to a New Zealander could obtain a New Zealand passport, which Isaac made use of. She officially became a New Zealand citizen in a private ceremony held by the Mayor of Christchurch, Bob Parker, at her home at Mcleans Island in October 2012.
She was the aunt of Catherine Isaac.
Isaac contributed to Canterbury through the creation of scholarships at Lincoln and Canterbury universities, sponsoring the Isaac Theatre Royal, supporting the Christchurch Art Gallery and setting up the Isaac Centre for Nature Conservation. She was also the main driving force behind the creation of Peacock Springs, a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Christchurch.
In March 2009, Isaac was commemorated as one of the Twelve Local Heroes for her work in Christchurch, and a bronze bust of her was unveiled outside the Christchurch Arts Centre. In 2010 she was one of three finalists for Senior New Zealander of the Year.
She died at home on 23 November 2012.
Catherine Isaac and Dame Malvina Major spoke at her funeral, which was held at the Church of Street Michael and All Angels in the Christchurch Central City, with Bishop Victoria Matthews officiating.
