Mary M Cushnie-Mansour

A 20th Century Portia Mary M Cushnie-Mansour

Thelma Bernice Kerr-Thomson was born in Toronto, Ontario on September 28, 1922. In 1942 she began her studies at the University of Toronto Law School, and in 1946 she entered Osgoode Hall. In September of 1949, Thelma was admitted to the Bar. In the 1941 census, there were 8,621 male lawyers listed in Canada; women numbered 129, and 112 of them were from Ontario. This fact incontestably says something about the times, confirming Thelma to be a bona fide pioneer of women studying law. Thelma accredits much of her success to the two men in her life - her father, who encouraged her to study law and her husband whom she worked alongside in their county law practice.j Thelma, herself, was a great advocate for women's rights in a time when women were just beginning to be heard. The local Crown Counsel in Lindsay constantly referred to Thelma as "Portia," especially when she was representing a young first-time offender. "Here comes Portia with her pitch for mercy," he would say as she entered the courtroom. From the times she grew up in, to the turmoil of love and career, to her many accomplishments within the career path she embarked upon - Thelma's story is a true inspiration to all women - then and now!