OBITUARY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 5 June 1940, Page 8

OBITUARY.

MRS HELEN BIRCHLEY. It was with very deep regret that the passing of an old and highly respected resident of the Manawatu, Mrs Helen Birchley, at her residence, 44 Lombard Street, Palmerston North, on May 28, was noted. She was in her 85th year. - • Born at Porirua, the youngest child of the late Mr and Mrs W. Shearer, and granddaughter of that well-known chief Terehu, Mrs Birchley later removed to Wellington with her parents, and she received her education there. It was there that she met and married her late husband, Mr Joseph James Birchley, who predeceased her nearly 32 years ago. Mr and Mrs Birchley removed to Foxton, where Mr Birchley was interested in the flaxmilling industry. About 40 years ago the family removed to Palmerston North, where they have since resided. A devoted mother, possessed of a charming and gracious personality, Mrs Birchley endeared herself to all who knew her. Of an original family of fourteen there are lMt to mourn their irreparable loss eight daughters and two sons. Two daughters. Mrs Hilda Oliphant and an infant daughter, Kathleen, also a son, James, predeceased .their mother many years ago, and another son, Sydney, died fifteen months ago. A sister,'Mrs C. Rowe, of Taranaki, survives her, ; and there are also 14 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. The funeral, which took place at the Palmerston North Cemetery last Thursday, was largely attended. An impressive service ivas conducted by Rev. D. de Candole, of All Saints’ Church, at the residence, and he also officiated dt the graveside. The pall-bearers were Messrs W- R. Gooding and Jack Brown (sons-in-law) and Messrs J. A. Nash, J. L. Nash. Noel Wood and Robert Emmett. The numerous beautiful floral tributes, together with the many messages of condolence received by the family, testified to the love and esteem in which the late Mrs Birchley was held.