Background
Chifley was born Elizabeth Gibson McKenzie in Bathurst, New South Wales, to George and Isabella McKenzie. In 1912, Elizabeth met Ben Chifley, an engine driver like her father.
Chifley was born Elizabeth Gibson McKenzie in Bathurst, New South Wales, to George and Isabella McKenzie. In 1912, Elizabeth met Ben Chifley, an engine driver like her father.
She was active in local civic organisations and the church, but does not appear to have been active or interested in the labour movement or politics. They had known each other since their youth, but their romance did not commence until 1912 when they were both in their late twenties. Their relationship began at a dance although Ben did not like dancing.
In those days, Elizabeth was considered "a good catch".
Her family was relatively wealthy, she played the symbol of respectability, the piano, she was skilled in the domestic arts of cooking and sewing, she was suitably religious and still had a great sense of fun. Ben was like Elizabeth"s father, serious, dependable, civic-minded and a man of growing stature.
Ben was reported to have said "One of us has to take the knock" and "lieutenant had better be me". By travelling to Sydney for the ceremony they sought to avoid as much antagonism as possible.
In 1920, the parents gave the house to the couple, and they would spend the rest of their lives there.
In 1915, Elizabeth had a miscarriage, which left her unable to have children, and she was in poor health for the rest of her life. She also suffered from the spinal disease scoliosis, which left her physically frail, and limited her mobility. After Ben Chifley was elected to the House of Representatives in 1928, Elizabeth rarely travelled to Canberra, Sydney or other locations where her husband"s political duties summoned him.
On several occasions during Chifley"s premiership, Elizabeth did act as a hostess at The Lodge, although Chifley more often stayed at the Hotel Kurrajong when in Canberra.
Elizabeth Chifley died at her Busby Street home on 9 September 1962.