Former NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir dies aged 95

Miranda Forster
AAP
Former NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir has died at the age of 95.
Former NSW governor Dame Marie Bashir has died at the age of 95. Credit: Dan Himbrechts/AAP

NSW’s first female governor Dame Marie Bashir has died aged 95..

NSW Premier Chris Minns said he was saddened to share news of Dame Marie’s death on behalf of her family.

“On behalf of the people of New South Wales, I extend my deepest condolences to Dame Marie’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by her remarkable life,” Mr Minns said in a statement late on Tuesday.

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A psychiatrist and the wife of former Sydney lord mayor Nicholas Shehadie, Dame Marie served as NSW governor from 2001 to 2014.

She was appointed an officer of the Order of Australia in 1988 for her services to child and adolescent health.

Dame Marie said she didn’t extend her tenure as governor so as not to surpass Roden Cutler as the state’s longest-serving governor, a decision Mr Minns said “reflected her humility and deep respect for those who came before her”.

“The people of New South Wales held Dame Marie in great respect and affection, reflecting the trust and goodwill she earned over a lifetime of service,” he said.

A state funeral is to be held at a later date.

Originally published on AAP

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