Betty Bourke died on December 7, 2015.
Betty Bourke entered health administration when she joined the old Patea Hospital Board in 1962.
She was chairwoman three years and leading a fight against amalgamation.
Bourke commitment won her the QSM award in 1977,which recognising her work in health administration and the community.
Betty was a Patea representative the Wanganui Hospital Board, in 1969, becoming chairwoman in 1980.
This became one of the first area health boards in 1985.
Betty received the CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours.
Betty Bourke died at 91 yrs old.