OBITUARY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18441, 6 December 1929, Page 2

OBITUARY.

MRS MARY ANN VENNING. Another old identity, and highlyrespected citizen, in the person of Mrs M. A. Venning, widow of the late John Venning, died at her residence. William Street, on December 2, in her 78th. year. The deceased had been a resident of Timaru for over 52 years, having arrived here in May, 1877. She always took a keen interest in Church matters, and was a woman of strong character and high ideals. In spite of her multifarious duties, she was always ready to lend a helping hand to those in sorrow and affliction. She is mourned by a large family of five sons and four daughters:—John (Timaru), Geoffrey (London), Samuel (Victoria), Rev. Father A. Venning, S.M. (Jerusulem, Wanganui River), and Frank (Gisborne), Miss Margaret Venning (Timaru), Sister Mary Magdalen (Sisters of Mercy, Wellington), Sister Mary Charles Borromeo (0.5. D., Invercargill), and Mrs J. Don Farrant (Oamaru). Two sons predeceased her. There was a large congregation at the Church of the Sacred Heart yesterday for Requiem Mass, which was celebrated by the Rev. Father Venning. The following clergy were present in the Sanctuary:—Very Rev. Dean Holley, S.M.P.P.. Rev. Fathers Peoples, Tymons (Temuka), Herbert (Geraldine), Knight (Waimate), and Spillane (Marist Missioner). Solemn music was feelingly rendered during the Requiem, by Mrs Mangos, who played the “Dead March in Saul” at the conclusion of the Mass. The large number which followed the remains to the Cemetery testified to the esteem in which the deceased lady was held. The pall-bearers were: Mr John Venning, Mr J. D. Farrant (Oamaru), Mr H. Travis and Mr D. Cosgrove. Rev. Father Venning, assisted by the abovementioned clergy, officiated at the graveside.