Mirrielees, Kathleen Joan (Joan), 1903-1991 (Person)

Early life: Joan arrived in Tauranga as a seven-year old in 1910, the daughter of Alexander James and Violet Joan Mirrielees. Living on the corner of Cameron Road and Monmouth Street with her parents and two siblings.

Career: Joan taught in Tauranga, Palmerston North, Whangārei and Gisborne. Around the 1950s she was sponsored by the Education Department of New Zealand, on a one-year trip to England and Switzerland, which included spending time at St. John's, a Church of England school in Lancashire, and inspecting fourteen 14 other schools, including health camps. While in England she attended a special function for Dominion teachers to meet the Queen, who she described as "absolutely charming."

Community organisations:  Joan co-edited the Tauranga Historical Society journal for six years from 1979 and contributed 12 articles during that time. She was secretary and president of the Tauranga Royal Overseas League and involved in broadcasting, Care and Craft, the Citizens Advice the Crippled Children Society, and gave talks to many organisations about early Tauranga. 

Local drama: Miss Mirrieless was producer of various repertory theatre shows and school productions in Tauranga, Gisborne, Palmerston North and in England. She was also an actor in some of the local productions.

Honours: fourth recipient of the Historic Heritage Award, Tauranga in 1988.

See also: Clippings book of Joan Mirrielees, Ams 518.