Obituary

Manawatu Times, Volume 61, Issue 238, 8 October 1936, Page 2

Obituary

MRS. MARY THORBY. The "many friends of Mrs Mary Thorby, a well-known resident of Masterton, will regret to learn of her death, which occurred at the Masterton Public Hospital recently. The deceased was born in London in the year 1851. She came to New Zealand in the sailing ship ‘‘Rakaia” ih the year 1880, as governess to the children .of aMr Cave (solicitor). She first settled in Wellington and remained there for many years, later removing to Auckland, where she married the late Mr Henry Edmond Thorby. They lived for many years at Hastwells, where she, in company with her husband, experienced the hardships of the rough pioneer days of bush settlement, their first home being a one-roomed whare with clay floor and no windows. Mrs Thorby was always a keen church worker and for a considerable number of years was a Sunday school teacher and organist at St. Colombo Church, M&ngamahoe. Deceased enjoyed good health up till two years ago, when she had the misfortune to dislocate her arm.

She is survived by a grown-up family consisting of Mr Arthur Thorby (Hastwells), Mrs A. T. Jackson (Masterton), Mrs T. G. Reading (Carterton), Mrs A. V. Madsen (Hastwells), Mrs R. S. Smart (Makuri), 10 grandchildren and ono great-grandchild, who will have the sympathy of a wide circle of friends in their sad bereavement. Her husband and one son predeceased her many years ago.