A teacher and driving force in the Bermuda Youth Parliament was dedicated to inspiring her students’ appreciation of Bermudian culture as well as knowledge of the island’s governance.

Miranda Lister, who began in classrooms in the mid-1970s, taught civics as well as history and geography at the Bermuda Institute.

She threw herself behind the Youth Parliament in 1985, telling The Royal Gazette in 1998: “When I came back to teach after university, they sent out a plea to teachers and people in the community interested in starting it up again.

“I came on board and to date I am the only one who has remained. It is because I thoroughly enjoy exposing young people to the running of the Government and developing their own thinking skills and character.”

She also contributed as a teacher for young mothers at Teen Services.

Dennis Lister, her husband, is a Progressive Labour Party MP and Speaker of the House of Assembly. He also took part in the Youth Parliament after the launch of his political career.

Mrs Lister said she had discussed with her husband the possibility of throwing her hat into the political ring.

“He won out because he couldn't have the babies,” she added.

“When we first came back from university, we were very community-minded.

“We ran summer day camps and helped with senior citizens or whatever. One thing led to another.”

The couple’s community involvement included running a village grocery shop in Somerset, the New Garden Patch.

She recalled: “The people coming there had needs and concerns that we were exposed to. We just helped and helped.”

It also led to their PLP affiliation.

The couple had three sons: Dennis Lister III, also a PLP MP, and Russell and Randall Lister.

Mrs Lister said of her chosen teaching subjects: “I think Bermudians as young teenagers need to know more about their country.

“They need more self-pride and respect for Bermuda. They need to know exactly what is happening in Bermuda.”

She added: “My students find out it is their job to learn what Bermuda is about, the running of the Government, the laws of the country and, basically, what part they can play in Bermuda.”

Mrs Lister served as adviser for the Youth Parliament for 25 years and was recognised in 1994 with a plaque of appreciation for her contributions. An award was named in her honour.

Her son Russell took over the role after her retirement.

Miranda Daphne Lister, a teacher and stalwart of the Bermuda Youth Parliament, was born on March 6, 1955. She died on April 18, 2025, aged 70