Karen Gerda Hnatyshyn ( ; ; August 14, 1935 – July 14, 2023) was a viceregal consort of Canada, who held the role from 1990 to 1995 during her husband Ray Hnatyshyn's term as Governor General of Canada.Margo Roston, "Restoring Our Heritage: Gerda Hnatyshyn worked to preserve the stately history of Rideau Hall". Ottawa Citizen, February 6, 1995. From 2002 to 2023, she served as President of The Hnatyshyn Foundation, a private charity dedicated to promoting and funding emerging, developing and mid-career artists and curators in Canada through scholarships and prizes totalling over $200,000 annually. She died on July 14, 2023, in Ottawa.
Born in Winnipeg, Manitoba, she attended the University of Saskatchewan and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in dietetics and nutrition. After an internship at the Royal Victoria Hospital in Montreal, she worked as a hospital dietitian in Saskatoon and Ottawa.Greg Weston, "The New G-G". Ottawa Citizen, October 7, 1989. She married Hnatyshyn in January 1960. The couple had two sons, John Georg Hnatyshyn and Carl Andrew Nygaard Hnatyshyn.
As the spouse of a Governor General, she was also invested as a Companion of the Order of Canada upon Ray Hnatyshyn's swearing-in.
In 1993, she hosted the premiere of an educational video promoting the importance of a healthy diet for people living with HIV/AIDS.Kathleen Walker, "Video tells HIV carriers importance of eating well". Ottawa Citizen, April 12, 1993.
Hnatyshyn co-authored Rideau Hall: Canada's Living Heritage, a book about the history of Rideau Hall, in 1995, with the proceeds going to make purchases of art and furnishings for the official residence.Philip Hannan, "Vice-regal pomp coming to coffee table; Book describing the delights of Government House sells for the princely sum of $85". Montreal Gazette, February 6, 1995. She also worked with the Canadian Heritage Garden Foundation to develop a heritage garden in the grounds of Rideau Hall.Marlene Orton, "Why Canada is coming up roses: Gerda Hnatyshyn promised the nation a floral tribute. The idea certainly has taken root.". The Globe and Mail, December 23, 1998.
Gerda Hnatyshyn died on July 14, 2023, at the age of 87.
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