The Late Miss Mary A. Graham

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 16, 26 April 1923, Page 25

The Late Miss Mary A. Graham

(An Appreciation.) There passed peacefully' aAvay on February 5, at her mother’s residence, Victoria Street, Pukekohe, Auckland, Mi Mary Ann Graham ; the deceased Avas the eldest daughter of Mrs. and the bite James A. Graham, Pukekohe. Although in failing health for the past three years, her death came as a shock to her many friends. Miss Graham had lived all her life in Pukekohe, Avhere she Avas Avidely known, and highly respected by all Avho had the,privilege of her acquaintance. She Avas a devout and staunch Catholic ; as leading member of the parish committee she gave unbroken service for years, and everybody knew Avhen Miss Graham undertook any Avork for the church or school or for the benefit of. the district generally, her Avhole heart Avent into that Avork Avith a zeal and energy that always meant success. The deceased had a Avonderful organising ability, coupled with rare tact, and a genial kindly nature. Her services Avere ahvays much sought after, and willingly given for church Avork or any social functions in the district. M iss Graham Avill be sadly missed, and the district loses one of those beautiful souls whose one mission in life is to minister to others and to hold out a helping hand to all. Perhaps Avhere the deceased Avill be missed most, after her relatives, Avill be in the sick room, for many and varied Avere the homes she visited; any hour of the day or night found her ready to give her services in the cause of the sick and dying, perhaps riding miles at night to help nurse some poor case : to cheer their last moments upon earth by her sAveet consolations and helpfulness in their hour of need, Avithout distinction of class or creed. The district is indeed the poorer by the passing of this noble Avoman. Surely all her good Avorks have been faithfully kept by God’s recording angel. As she gave unstintingly of herself to others in life so let them not forget her in death. The late Miss Graham Avas attended most devotedly by Rev. Father Malloy, and the Sisters of the Missions from the local Convent to whom she was a kind and generous friend during her life. In her last illness she had also a privileged visit from his Lordship Dr. Liston, Avho Avith all his many duties found time to call, and bestoAved his blessing upon her, a kindly act Avhich Avas much appreciated by the sick lady, as Avell as by her relatives. A Solemn Requiem Mass, celebrated for the repose of her soul Avas very largely attended, followed in the afternoon by the funeral, which was the largest ever seen in Pukekohe, people coming from all parts of the province to pay their last respects to one whose life was fruitful of good Avorks. A beautiful and pathetic discourse on the life and example of the deceased was delivered by Rev. Father Molloy before the coffin left the church. The procession to the cemetery Avas very impressive, representatives from the other religious bodies and all classes of the community being present, Avhich shoAved the deep affection in which the deceased Avas held by all. To her sorroAving mother (by Avhose side she remained during the fifty-seven years of life with an unbounded filial duty) and to her sisters and brothers sincerest and Avidespread sympathy is extended. May her beautiful soul receive its reAvard in our Lord’s kingdom. R.I.P.

0 AA'oman. in Montreal, more than 100 years old, has outlived all the beneficiaries in her Avill, her husband and her two children, as Avell as the executors of the will and the notary public who-drew up the document. , ,'