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Edith Tennent

1882 – 1946

New Zealand nurse

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About Edith Tennent

Lived 1882 – 1946 (aged 63). Edith Tennent was a New Zealand nurse.

Edith Penelope Tennent (25 July 1882 – 7 June 1946) was a New Zealand nurse and hospital matron.

W J and K J Tennent and children, Timaru, New Zealand, February 1894. Pictured (left to right): Kenard, Kathleen (holding Sybil), Hobart, Edith, William (holding Ida), and Osward

Early life and education Tennent was born in Timaru, New Zealand, to William James Tennent and his wife Katherine Jane Kestervan. Her father was the secretary of the Timaru Harbour Board.

Career On graduating, Tennent became a nursing sister at Wellington Hospital, and was appointed Assistant Matron in 1920. During her tenure, she encouraged nursing staff to undertake postgraduate studies in specialised fields, and to enrol in university courses. In the 1937 Coronation Honours, she was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire, for services to nursing.

During World War II Tennent was appointed Commander-in-Chief of the New Zealand Red Cross Voluntary Aids and travelled throughout the country organising and training volunteers, advising on preparations for the establishment of emergency hospitals, and recruiting trained nurses to the organisation.

In 1942 she resigned due to ill health and died in Lower Hutt on 7 June 1946.

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Important facts

Birth century
Occupation
Nationality
Awards
Member of the Order of the British Empire
Also known as
Edith Penelope Tennent

People in Edith Tennent's life

Named in this biography and alive at the same time

Contemporaries

People whose lives overlapped Edith Tennent's

Frequently asked questions

Who was Edith Tennent?

New Zealand nurse (1882–1946)

When was Edith Tennent born?

Edith Tennent was born on 25 July 1882.

When did Edith Tennent die?

Edith Tennent died on 7 June 1946.

What was Edith Tennent's occupation?

Edith Tennent was a nurse.

What nationality was Edith Tennent?

Edith Tennent was New Zealand.

Sources & further reading

· Wikipedia: Edith Tennent

· Wikidata: Q26838461

· DBpedia: Edith Tennent

Cite this page

APA: Biography.guide. (2026). Edith Tennent. https://biography.guide/edith-tennent/

MLA: "Edith Tennent." Biography.guide, https://biography.guide/edith-tennent/.

Chicago: "Edith Tennent." Biography.guide. https://biography.guide/edith-tennent/.

Data last updated: 2026-09-20 · Spot an error? Report a correction.

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