politician Member of the House of Lords
The daughter of commercial traveller Herbert Birkinshaw and Isabella née Garbutt, Mary was born in Bradford and was educated at King Edward VI High School for Girls (KEHS) Birmingham, and Bedford College, University of London, graduating with a Bachelor in philosophy in 1928.
She was the wife of Labour Foreign Secretary, Michael Stewart. During World World War II, Stewart served with the Women"s Auxiliary Air Force (WAAF) at locations around the country. After the war, she worked for the Workers" Educational Association, as a tutor until 1964.
Stewart was created a life peer as Baroness Stewart of Alvechurch, of Fulham in Greater London on 15 January 1975.
She became a member of the Fabian Society Executive, serving as Chairman in 1963-1964, and was also involved in local hospitals, schools and the East London Juvenile Court.
