Gerda Hnatyshyn

Karen Gerda Hnatyshyn, CC (née Karen Gerda Nygaard Andreasen) (born 1935 in Winnipeg, Manitoba) was the wife of Ray Hnatyshyn, Governor General of Canada, and served as viceregal consort during Ray Hnatyshyn's term of office from 1990 to 1995. She attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics and Nutrition. After an internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, she worked as a hospital dietician in Saskatoon and Ottawa.[1] She married Hnatyshyn in January 1960.[2] The couple had two sons, John Georg Hnatyshyn and Carl Andrew Nygaard Hnatyshyn.[1][2]

As the spouse of a Governor General, she was also invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada upon Ray Hnatyshyn's swearing-in.

She co-authored Rideau Hall: Canada's Living Heritage, about Rideau Hall, in 1994 with the proceeds going to make purchases of art and furnishings for the official residence. She also worked with the Canadian Heritage Garden Foundation to develop a heritage garden in the grounds of Rideau Hall.[1][2]

Gerda Hnatyshyn is currently president and chair of the Hnatyshyn Foundation, an arts granting organization.[1]

References

1. "Board of the Hnatyshyn Foundation". rjhf.com. Archived from the original on 1 February 2013. Retrieved 10 November 2010.
2. "Ray Hnatyshyn". The Governor General of Canada. Retrieved 10 November 2010.

Order of precedence
Preceded by Michaëlle Jean	Canadian order of precedence	Succeeded by Diana Fowler LeBlanc
Honorary titles
Preceded by Maurice Sauvé	Viceregal Consort of Canada 1990–1995	Succeeded by Diana Fowler LeBlanc