Mary Howard, centre, with IEU Council members Kath Egan, left, and Jennifer Allen
at the IEU’s AGM dinner in October 2023.
The IEU pays tribute to much-loved member, staunch unionist, social activist, teacher and friend to many, Mary Howard, who passed away on 26 July.
Mary was a dedicated and inspirational teacher who began her career in the Diocese of Armidale before relocating to the NSW North Coast. She began teaching at Xavier Catholic College, Skennars Head, in 2002, and quickly took on the role of IEU rep.
Mary was a spiritual person who lived a faith-filled, reflective life. Her gentle, encouraging spirit inspired those around her, and she was loved and respected by students and colleagues alike.
Mary’s strong sense of social justice, her belief in the power of the collective, and the high level of esteem in which she was held by her colleagues, led her to become active within the IEU’s North Coast Sub Branch.
She attended sub branch meetings to represent her school, was elected to the committee in 2004, and was sub branch secretary for many years.
Mary also represented the North Coast Sub Branch on the IEU Council – the governing and decision-making body of the NSW/ACT Branch of the IEU, which brings together up to 115 members.
