Mrs. J. N. McCarroll, Known Through North

Northern Advocate, 26 August 1943, Page 2

Mrs. J. N. McCarroll, Known Through North

The death occurred very suddenly early this morning of Mrs. Sarah Jane McCarroli. one of the best known and most respected women in Northland. Mrs. McCarroli was recuperating from a serious illness. Prior to retiring last night she complained of feeling ill and a doctor was immediately summoned. He remained for two hours, but at 1.45 a.m.. shortly after his departure, she expired. A distressing circumstance is that her husband. Mr. J. N. McCarroli. was absent on a business trip to Hawke's Bay and will not be able to reach Whangarei until late tonight. Mrs. McCarroli was born at Henderson, he maiden name being Miss Jane Huestor. Her qualities of sympathy understanding, her high degree of intelligence, and her charm of manner made her eminently suited for service in the teaching profession which she undertook as a young woman. In turn she iwas stationed at Avondale, Glen Murray and Mareretu. It was at the latter place that she met Mr. J. N. McCarroli. then farming a large property at McCarroll's Gap. They were married 37 years ago. and were a most devoted couple. Work for Servicemen Although Mr. McCarroli retained his farming interests in the Mareretu district, they established their home at “Tokitaruna.” at the lop of Maunu Hill. A great home-lover. Mrs. McCarroli enhanced the beautiful surroundings with expansive gardens and shrubberies. During the absence ol Mr. McCarroli overseas during the last war she maintained the home and undertook much responsibility for the conduct of their affairs, at. the same time assisting materially in patriotic work, paying particular attention to the welfare of those under her husband's command.

Y.W.C.A. Supported Fractical and clear-sighted in public affairs, Mrs McCarroli was one of the few responsible for realising the need of a Y.W.C.A. institution in Whangarei. She was an original member of the board and for many years its president. It was during her term ol office that the large hostel in Bank Street was acquired, laying the foundations of Y.W.C.A. work in Northland. Mrs. McCarroli retired from the board in 1936 and in recognition of her great services was elected a lifemember. For a long period she represented Maunu on the central committee or the Whangarei Plunket Society. She was also a foundation member of the Whangarei Women's Club, serving on the first committee. She was the second president, succeeding Mrs. J. E. Holmes. During the whole of their residence in Whangarei, Mr. and Mrs. McCarroli have been strong supporters of the Presbyterian Church. Mrs. McCarroli was for a great many years treasurer of the P.W.M.U.. and only relinquished this office last year, when she war seriously ill for several months. At the annual congregational meeting of die church this month appreciative reference was made to her devoted and valuable service in the church and especially in the P.W.M.U. She is survived by her husband and two daughters, Mrs. G. C. Johns, of Mala, and Mrs. Audrey Wilson, of Maunu. There are three grandchildren.