User:DrThneed/Marie Theomin

Dorothy Theomin

Dorothy Michaelis Theomin (24 December 1888 &#x2013; 11 October 1966) was a notable New Zealand philanthropist and mountaineer. She was born in Dunedin, New Zealand as daughter of David Theomin.

Early life and education
Theomin was born on 24 December 1988 in the family home in Dunedin, named Olveston, the forerunner of the much grander residence that is now Olveston Historic Home. Her parents were David Theomin and Marie (Mary Ann) Michaelis. David Theomin was a businessman and xxx. Marie was the eldest daughter of Moritz Michaelis, a merchant in Melbourne. (detail other family links elsewhere - Hallenstein, de Beer, Fels, Brasch, Halsted). Dorothy's elder brother Edward was born in 1855.

Dorothy was educated at Braemar House, a girls' school on Moray Place, run by Misses Edith, Bessie and Allie Miller, from the mid-1890s to the end of 1901. The Miller sisters were from Scotland and had teaching certificates from London and Paris, as well as engaging a Miss Rochat to teach French. After 1901, Theomin travelled with her parents to Australia, Hong Kong, China and Japan, and then continued on to Canada and New York, arriving in England in time for David Theomin to attend Edward VII's coronation on 9 August 1902. Dorothy was educated for two years at Roedean school while her parents travelled in Europe, meeting up on the continent for holidays. By this time David was planning the building of a grand house in Dunedin, and was consulting on furniture and designs. Dorothy and her parents travelled back to New Zealand in November 1904, and she did not enrol for further education on her return, although Miss Marie Louise Wilson, who remained with the family until 1920, may have been appointed as a governess to 'finish' Dorothy. A 'coming out' ball for Dorothy was held on 28 August 1907 in the newly finished house, with the 150 guests being mainly young people.

Philanthropy
During the second World War she worked within the International Red Cross sending food parcels to hospitals and corresponding with soldiers. Dorothy supported the Plunket Society after her mother's death (did she before??) through her membership of the executive from 1941 to 1955. An art benefactor through the Theomin Trust, which supported young musicians and artists (who set this up and when?). President of the Dunedin Public Art Gallery 1957–59, following a four year stint as Vice-President.

other interests/life stages

Legacy
Fall, facture etc

Dorothy died on 11 October 1966 at the Mater Hospital at 19 Royal Terrace in Dunedin, and is buried in the family plot in the Jewish section of Dunedin's southern cemetery.

House. Photographs donated to which collections? Event to remember Dorothy 2011.