Mae Denby was born in Winnipeg, and grew up in rural Manitoba. After high school, she attended the final year of the Manitoba Teachers’ College, just prior to the formation of the Faculty of Education. After teaching seven years in various communities in Manitoba, she moved to Ontario. Subsequently she became a school principal, and retired as a Superintendent of schools in the Niagara region. She moved back to Winnipeg in 2012.
In her 60’s, she found it necessary to begin wearing hearing aids; the hearing loss has progressed slowly but steadily ever since. Mae found her way to CHHA Manitoba Branch through the virtual support group, and joined the Board in 2023, taking on the role of secretary.