One of New Zealand's most influential medical professionals has lost her life, just months after she celebrated her 100th birthday. A former nurse of the New Zealand Army Nursing Service Doris Irene Milne died on June 9 after experiencing respiratory problems. Mrs Milne's nephew, Tom Fleming said his aunt, the first nurseposted to Egypt in World War 2, was recognised by many as "a quiet and hardworking woman". "She always worked really hard and went to great lengths to help everyone - especially her staff." He said Mrs Milne (nee Brown), who was recognised for her work at the matron of the 2nd New Zealand General Hospital in Cairo, wanted the best from those who worked under her. "She really loved what she did and the people she met through her job," he said, highlighting his aunt treated those she worked with like family. While the recipient of the Associate Royal Red Cross in 1944 had dreamt of having a family of her own, Mr Fleming said the Waikanae resident's late marriage to husband Bob Milne meant she just "didn't have the time". "She spent the best part of her life working as a nurse in the war zones and travelling around the world." Instead Mrs Milne threw herself into her work becoming the lady superintendent of Dunedin Hospital upon her return from the war in 1943. This post expanded to include control of all nursing services, hospitals and district nursing for the Otago Board. After 11 years with the southern hospital, Mrs Milne was then appointed as the matron-in-chief of Wellington Hospital. In 1953 Mrs Milne was named as the Queen's Honorary Nursing Sister - a role that gave her the opportunity to escort Queen Elizabeth and the Duke of Edinburgh around Wellington Hospital. Leaving nursing in 1955, Mrs Milne and her husband set up a Wellington printing business, which they ran until retirement. The couple's retirement was funded after they, together with friends, decided to establish Wellington retirement village Parklands. Despite the joy she got from caring for the sick and the wounded, Mr Fleming said his aunt never spoke about her experiences. "She liked to keep things to herself. I learnt more about my aunt after she died." Mr Fleming said Mrs Milne tended to clear her mind by spending hours pottering around her garden. "She really loved gardening - flowers were a big part of her life." Mrs Milne is survived by her nephew, Tom Fleming.Evette Wakelin
