Helen Hunley

Wilma Helen Hunley, OC, AOE (September 6, 1920 – October 22, 2010) was a former Canadian politician and the 12th Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, the first woman to serve in that post.

Early life

She was born in Acme, Alberta, to James Edgar Hunley and Esta May Hunley. She first worked as an operator, served overseas in the Army Corp during World War II and eventually owned and operated an International Harvester franchise and an insurance business.

Political career

Hunley served as a town councilor from 1960 to 1966 and then mayor of Rocky Mountain House, Alberta from 1966 to 1971. Hunley was elected to the province's legislative assembly as a Progressive Conservative. She was the province's cabinet minister serving as Minister Without Portfolio from 1971 to 1973, Solicitor-General from 1973 to 1975 and then Minister of Social Services and Community Health from 1975 until 1979 when she retired from politics.

In June, 1980, Hunley was appointed chair of the Alberta Mental Health Advisory Council. She also served on the Alberta 75th Anniversary Commission.