Mrs. Susanah Bispham

Northern Advocate, 26 December 1940, Page 2

Mrs. Susanah Bispham

OBITUARY

The death occurred in the Whangarei Hospital today, of Mrs Susanah Bispham. at the age of 87. ■ Mrs Bispham was well known to many people in Whangarei and the North, especially to the older generation, and her death will be greatly regretted. She enjoyed excellent health, and right up to the time of the short illness preceding her death, she maintained her interest in the everyday affairs of the town and the world. Mrs Bispham was born in the island of Trinidad, in the West Indies At the age of four, she was sent tc England to be educated, and she remained there for 12 years. When she returned to Trinidad she met the Rev Charles Eispham and married him when she was 17 years of age. At this time Mr Bispham was appointed to the island of Grenada, and after eight years’ service he went to England. Later, on account of Mr Bispham’s health, they proceeded to New Zealand in the sailing ship "James Wishart.” This was 63 years ago.

Nine days before landing theii second son was born.

The family first went to the South Island, where Mrs Bispham’s sister was then living. For some months. Mr Bispham was in charge of Courtney. Hororata, but as the climate was too cotd for Mrs Bispham, a change was made to Auckland. For a time Mr Bispham was in charge at Coromandel, and for many years lie did relieving work in Auckland. In 1897 they came to Whangarei.

Mrs Bispham taught singing in Whangarei for many years, and took a prominent part in amateur theatricals. She early showed more than a usual aptitude for music, and in her young days was a pupil of Sir Julius Benedict. After she came to New Zealand she continued her studies under Mi Gordon Gooch and Madame Walpole of Parnell. For many years she was a prominent member of the Christ Church choir, and was greatly in demand in all local theatrical productions. Mrs Bispham was a keen member of the Anglican Church, and attendee regularly, wet or fine, right up to her final illness.

Mrs Bispham enjoyed good health though in later years her eyesight was failing.

Mr Bispham died in 1916. The eldei son, Mr Leonard Bispham, settled in Portland, Oregon. U.S.A., where he married. There is one grandson. Theyounger son, Mr Lionel Bispham, resides in Whangarei. He was for some years interested in mining in various parts of New Zealand. For some time he has been living with his mother. The funeral will be held on Saturday at Kamo. A service will be held at Christ Church before leaving for the cemetery.