OBITUARY.

Lake Wakatip Mail, Issue 4247, 18 February 1936, Page 5

OBITUARY.

MRS R. M. PATERSON,

It was with very deep regret that the news was received yesterday ot the death of Ethel Frances Paterson, wife of Mr Robert Murray Paterson of “Ayrburn,” Arrowtown, which sad happening took place in the early hours of the morning at her home. Deceased had been in very indifferent health for several months past, and as little hope of her recovery was held out from the outset her end was not unexpected. Mrs Paterson, who was born at Port Chalmers in 1875, was the only daughter of Mrs and the late Mr \\ m. H. Davidson of Mornington, the latter having been a former manager of the Colonial Bank in Dunedin. She came to the district to live when she was married thirty-five years ago, and had resided at “Ayrburn” ever since. In spite of the many calls which the bringing up of a family and the conduct of a busy homemade upon her time and energies, Mrs Paterson took a keen interest and an active part in several district organisations. She was a vice-president of the Arrow Horticultural and Industrial Society and worked enthusiastically in promoting its welfare, being herself a regular exhibitor at the annual shows. She was also actively connected with the Lake County A. and P. Society, having been for many years one of the class stewards in the fruit and flower sections. She was tremendously interested in young people, and associated herself in various ways with their organisations and pastimes. JMrs Paterson was a musician of considerable ability and she was at all times generous in the use of her talents. For many years she was organist at St. Paul’s, Arrowtown. Her relations wth the Anglican Church there, indeed, have been marked by a wonderful zeal and an unswerving allegiance—her heart and her hand being ever busy in its interests. By many outside her own family circle the death of Mrs Paterson will be felt as one of great personal loss; and the grief of her relatives at the passing of one so beloved will be shared by many who have come within her remarkable influence. "Ethel” Taterson was a mother to a larger family than her own. Young people were attracted to her, as she had a very human understanding _ of the anxieties and common difficulties, which have been the lot of so many in post-war years and in later periods of depression. She had her own cares, but the calm serenity of her nature was never disturbed by the stress or storm without. She was a modern edition of the saints of old, and the world around her has seemed sweetened by her presence. Mrs Paterson was a woman of broad sympathies and tender mercies. Her charity began at home but it did not end there. Labour could not weary it or ingratitude detach it. Hers was the charity of mind as well as of heart —the charity that, in the words of the apostle, “thinketh no evil.” Akin to this attribute was the unbounded hospitality which she and her husband have dispensed with such liberal hands at “Ayrburn.” Never has a deal' ear been turned to the poorest tramp or the veriest stranger. In a word: The life and character of Ethel Paterson have been a blessing and a benediction to many; and the fragrant memories which an innumerable company of friends and acquaintances will have of her love, her goodness, her loyalty, and _ her selflessness, will be of an abiding nature.

To her husband and family—for whom deceased always endeavoured to make home feel the happiest place in the world —the deepest sympathy will be fellt. Her four sons are Messrfe Wm. Robert, and Ernest Covenfcde Paterson (Ayrburn); Alex. (West Dome, Mossburn), and Dick (Otago ■Boys’ High School, Dunedin). -Her daughters are Mrs Douglas Rowe (West Dome, Mossburn), Misses Frances and Pat Paterson (Ayrburn), De.ceased is also survived by her mother, Mrs W. H. Davidson (Dunedin) and by four brothers—Ernest (Dunedin), Norman (Christchurch), Ramsay (Canada) and Rev. Gerard Davidson (Woodville). The funeral takes place this afternoon, the place of interment being the Frankton cemetery.