Thanks to Ada’s dedication to educating her sons, her youngest achieved a Masters Degree in Law from Canterbury University and was awarded the prestigious Gold Medal in law from the Canterbury Law Society for outstanding academic achievement. Her eldest graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering and went on to become a Partner in one of the world’s premier engineering consultancy firms, Ove Arup, based in London.
In the early 1950’s Ada’s sons had selected a section on Mt Pleasant in Christchurch and built a family home on it whilst at University. Ada lived in this home for over 40 years and taught at both Redcliffs and Mt Pleasant primary schools before she retired. She established a wonderful garden around her hillside home which she tended into her early 90s. Ada passed away in 1998 at the age of 97.
Ada’s son, grandchildren & great grandchildren continue to live on Mt Pleasant.
Ada Rutherford
Ada was born on her father’s farm near Tapanui on May 19th, 1901. She attended Tapanui school where she was awarded Dux at both primary and high school.
She graduated with a BA from Otago University and obtained her teaching certificate. Ada taught at several Otago schools before marrying Merlin Rutherford in 1926. Shortly after their 2nd son was born Merlin tragically died of tuberculous leaving Ada to raise their two sons single-handedly.
Throughout her life Ada held a very high regard for the importance of a good education and worked tirelessly to ensure her two sons received the very best education. She moved from Heriot to Timaru and then Christchurch - obtaining teaching positions close to where her sons could best further their education.
