Ella Wilson

Mary Dunstan Wilson (born Ella, 1870–1959) was an Australian educator and member of the Sisters of Charity of Australia.

Early life and education Ella Wilson was born on 21 August 1870, in Maitland, New South Wales, Australia. Her parents were Frederick Alfred Adolphus Wilson and Jemima Duncan Wilson (née Thomson). Her father worked as a bank accountant.

Wilson attended the University of Sydney, earning a Bachelor of Arts in 1892 and a Master of Arts in 1895.

Career Like many of the first women university graduates, By the 1900s the Sisters of Charity were well established in New South Wales, and had a positive reputation for their commitment to education and health care. Upon joining the order, Wilson took on the religious name Mary Dunstan.

In 1872, the Australian government had ceased funding denominational schools, and began expanding public schools. Catholic schools began to rely heavily on religious orders to provide teaching and curriculum development. It was well-regarded as an introductory text, and commended by the school inspectors, who evaluated public and private education in Victoria, on behalf of the government. Sister Dunstan also authored Social Studies for Secondary School Pupils and Those at Home, in 1939, and The Junior Bible and Church History in 1941.

From 1942 to 1948, Mother Dunstan served as the general councillor and assistant to the superior general of her order. She advised the superior general on educational matters.

Death After being cared for in the Sacred Heart hospice, in Darlinghurst, Mother Dunstan died on 29 March 1959. She was 88 years old.