Maxine Elizabeth Cochran

COCHRAN (Bishop), Hon. Maxine Elizabeth, 87, died Tuesday, July 8, in Parkland at the Gardens, Halifax. Born in Lawrencetown, Annapolis County, she was a daughter of Gladis (Albee) Bishop of Machias, Maine, and F. Max Bishop of Annapolis County, Nova Scotia.

She earned a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics from Acadia University, graduating in 1947. Soon after she became Director of the Nova Scotia Red Cross Homemaker Service, travelling to communities throughout the province until her marriage in 1951. She was an early believer in women having engaging careers outside as well as inside the home. In the early 1960s she was a host/interviewer on CBC Television in Halifax, regularly exploring issues of particular interest to women and families. Later she was a teacher in Home Economics at Queen Elizabeth High School. Next she became the first Director of Public Relations for the IWK Children’s Hospital, coinciding with the opening of the new hospital in 1970.

In 1984 she was elected MLA for Lunenburg Centre, as a Progressive Conservative, in a by-election following the death of her husband, Bruce, who previously held the seat. She was re-elected in the general election held later that year. In November 1985 she became the first woman appointed to the Nova Scotia Cabinet. She first was Minister of Transportation, and then both Minister of Consumer Affairs and Minister of Culture, Recreation, and Fitness. During this time she also was Minister responsible for the Residential Tenancies Act and Minister responsible for the Heritage Property Act. In December 1987 she was given added responsibility as Minister responsible for the Advisory Council on the Status of Women. She did not re-offer in the next provincial election in 1988.

She was a founding member of the Vanier Institute of the Family, President of the Canadian Home Economics Association, national board member of the Association of Canadian Radio and Television Artists, President of the Junior League of Halifax, Vice-President of the Halifax-Dartmouth Welfare Council, board member of the Maritime School of Social Work, board member for the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and board member for the Fisherman’s Memorial Hospital in Lunenburg. Her last community service position was Vice-Chair of the Halifax Infirmary Board during the planning for the new hospital on Summer Street.

She is survived by her son, Andrew, Halifax; her sister, Constance Wolfe (Brian), Dartmouth; and her grandson, William (Lindsay), Evanston, Illinois; plus nieces and nephews, Jamie Cochran (Charlotte), Janet Cochran, Francis Crocker (John), Janet Gay (Peter), Caroline Stewart (Ron), and John Wolfe (Michelle).

The family wishes to express their deepest thanks to her caregivers. They provided great comfort, and close friendship, for several years and enriched her life in many ways. Also special appreciation to the staff at Parkland at the Gardens, for the continuous compassion, respect, and professionalism they applied in every aspect of their time with her.

A memorial service will be held Friday, July 11 at the Cathedral Church of All Saints at 10:30 a.m. That will be preceded by a visitation, also at the Cathedral, Thursday, July 10 between 3-5 p.m. and 7-9 p.m., in the church transept. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to donations may be made to the Cathedral Church of All Saints, for either the Outreach Fund or the General Fund.