Gerda Hnatyshyn

Who is Gerda Hnatyshyn?

Karen Gerda Hnatyshyn, CC was the wife of Ray Hnatyshyn, Governor General of Canada from 1990 to 1995, and served as viceregal consort during Ray Hnatyshyn's term of office. 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. She married Hnatyshyn in January 1960. The couple had two sons, John Georg Hnatyshyn and Carl Andrew Nygaard Hnatyshyn.

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.

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