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Mary Ferga Kerr-Lawson

Mary Ferga Kerr-Lawson (nee Carmichael) was born in Kingston, Ontario, November 23, 1900. She was the only child of Professor Norman Ross Carmichael and Maria Jenkins.

Ferga spent most of her youth in Toronto where she attended the University of Toronto and obtained a B.A and a M.A. in Chemistry and Mineralogy.

In 1928, Ferga and her husband Douglas moved to Swastika to start Swastika Laboratories. Douglas' partner in the business was Bill Gerrie. Ferga and Douglas lived in the apartment over the Lab. They had two children - daughter Jessie who was born in 1930, and son Angus in 1932. Jessie would later go on to say that her memories of her mother define two key characteristics: "She thought well on her feet" and "She loved a good argument."

Ferga worked with her husband in the Lab and eventually became involved in local community affairs. In 1967 she was awarded the Centennial Medal for her service to her community.

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Mrs. Kerr Lawson and Ladies
1955
Kirkland Lake, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Image loaned from MNH Auxiliary (Women of Kirkland Lake 2012 Exhibit)
Imaged loaned from Kerr Lawson Family

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Town of Swastika, Swastika Laboratories
Circa 1940's
Swastika, Ontario, Canada


Credits:
Image from Museum of Northern History Collection

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An article in the Northern Daily News on Nov 9, 1967 describes her as the following:
"A true pioneer of the area, a resident of Swastika for 40 years, she has served on the boards of a number of organizations at the provincial and local level. She served on the boards of the library, Kirkland and District Hospital, Ontario Hospital Association, the Collegiate and Vocational Institute and the board of directors of the Northern Ontario Public and Secondary School Trustees. Mrs. Kerr-Lawson has worked with the Red Cross Society, the Community Concerts Association, the Drama Society and was a charter member of the University Women's Club of Kirkland Lake."

Ferga passed away on the 12th of January, 1978, in Waterloo, Ontario. She is buried with her family in the Kirkland Lake Cemetery.

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Mary Ferga Kerr-Lawson
Circa 1967



Credits:
Image loaned from MNH Auxiliary (Women of Kirkland Lake 2012 Exhibit)
Image loaned from the Kerr-Lawson Family