Ishbel Maria Hamilton-Gordon, Marchioness of Aberdeen and Temair (née Isabel Maria Marjoribanks), was born on March 15, 1857, in London, England.

She was a British writer, philanthropist, and an advocate of women's interests. She received a well-rounded education in English, French, mathematics, history, and geography. In 1877, she married John Campbell Hamilton-Gordon, the 7th Earl of Aberdeen (later the 1st Marquess of Aberdeen and Temair). An intelligent and determined woman, she soon established her own political life as an activist. She founded the Onwards and Upward Association, which provided servant girls with postal courses on topics ranging from geography to literature to domestic science. In 1883, she became the first president of the Ladies’ Union of Aberdeen, an organization that focused on the well-being of young women living in cities. In 1893, her husband Lord Aberdeen was appointed the Governor General of Canada, a post he would occupy until 1898. She became viceregal consort of Canada from 1893 to 1898 and of Ireland from 1906 to 1915. In Canada, she hosted many popular social events, such as winter festivals and costume balls, and was more politically involved than her predecessors. She travelled extensively, attending events, and collecting information for her husband. In 1893, Lady Aberdeen was named the first president of the International Council of Women, an organization campaigning for women's rights. Consequently, she organized the National Council of Women of Canada and travelled the country establishing local branches. She also helped establish the Victorian Order of Nurses, which aimed to give women better training and a higher salary so they could provide services to rural and disadvantaged populations. Lord and Lady Aberdeen retired to their home in Scotland but continued to be involved in social causes. Together they wrote a memoir, “We Twa” (1925). The Canadian Journal of Lady Aberdeen, 1893–1898, edited by John Saywell, was published by the Champlain Society in 1960. In 1894, she received the Freedom of Limerick; in 1928, the Freedom of Edinburgh and she was invested Dame Grand Cross in the Order of the British Empire (GBE) in 1931.

She died on April 18, 1939, in Rubislaw, Aberdeen, Scotland.