Mary Ross Barker


Mary Ross Barker was a Canadian educator specializing in physical education. She was recognized for her contributions to women’s sports and recreation in Canada and was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999.

Early life and education

Mary Ross Barker was born in Toronto, Ontario, on 8 January 1905. She was the daughter of Christine Ross Barker, a Canadian pacifist and suffragist, and Wesley Edward Barker. After attending Branksome Hall from 1913 to 1923, Barker pursued a career that helped empower women and youth through education and physical activity.

Career and achievements

Barker was a teacher and a coach at the University of Western Ontario from 1935 to 1948. Her work helped establish and promote physical education as a component of women’s education in Canada.
She was appointed a member of the Order of Canada in 1999.

Later life and legacy

In 1957, Barker retired to Ingonish, Nova Scotia, on Cape Breton Island, with her lifelong companion, Irene Gettas. While living in Cape Breton, Barker continued to support sports and youth activities, becoming a supporter of local recreation initiatives. In her retirement, Barker was a fundraiser for the health sector and founded a Ski-in-School program. Barker and Gettas left a trust fund to benefit sports and recreation in the Ingonish community.
She died in Ingonish on July 21, 2004, at the age of 99.

Honors