The Tumut and Adelong Times 15 Nov 1917
ONE TO REST. Monday afternoon last brought the very sad news that a much esteemed friend had gone to rest, for the information was circulated that the beloved wife of our old and respected townsman, Mr J. E. Madigan, breathed her last at about 4 o'clock on that day. Deceased had been ailing for many months past, and during this period she had received most unremitting attention at the hands of the medical faculty of highest repute in the State. Dr. Clouston first had charge of the case, and exercised the best of skill to ward off a serious complaint that seemed imminent, but on finding that nothing short of one of the most delicate of operations, requiring the attention of a specialist, was necessary, he recommended that the patient be taken to Sydney His advice was quickly acted upon, and Mrs Madigan was removed to Lewisham Hospital, where a malignant growth was skillfully removed To make sure that the operation was complete and successful the sufferer was kept at the institution for some time afterwards, and when appearances indicated that the malady had heen overcome the patient was allowed to return home. For a term she seemed to be getting along remarkably well, and entered into the matter of conducting busias usual — her husband being frequently away attending to various commissions he had on hand, a good deal of the responsibility of attending to the requirements of the large and well-kept hotel devolved upon her, and with infinite credit did she carry out her undertaking. However, sad to relate, as time went on there came a recurrence of the old complaint, and a second visit was made to the famous Lewisham Hospital; but, alas ! Fate had now sealed his doom, and, although the utmost that could be was done to remove the extended growth, the efforts, it became clear to be seen were proving futile. Steps were then resorted to to strengten the system and prolong life, and, after staying for a while longer at the hospital, the object of our obituary was able to spend a few weeks with her uncle and cousins in Sydney, Mr and the Misses Kiley, then she again came back to her home. Notwithstanding the grave reports as to her condition, the husband and members of the family became somewhat buoyed up with the expectation of a rally, for the change seemed to put fresh life back into the ailing one. She looked bright, and at times was quite cheerful, and, it was thought that, with the great care and attention that was being given to the case, the medical authorities may become baffled in their opinions. This was not to be, though, for the malady had too firm a grip, and for the last few days of the illness Dr Clouston had frequently to administer morphia to ease pain. She bore her trials with patience and tranquility, but death in the end must have been welcomed by the good citizen, for she was aware the shadows were passing o'er her — her greatest grief and anguish was over parting with her loving husband and devoted members of the family, all of whom idolised the good and self-sacrificing wife and mother. Deceased was the 4th eldest member of the family of the last Mr and Mrs. H. Hilton, sen., and was born in Tumut 61 years ago, having resided here all her life. She acted for a term as Mayoress of the town, doing the fullest of justice to the honourable position. When a fund was started for patriotic purposes she donated £10 to same, and was a willing worker for that and all charitable undertakings introduced. She was also a faithful adherent of her church, and for years acted as leader of the choir. To know this lady was to respect her — she possessed friends in hundreds, and no enemies. Her family consisted of five sons and one daughter, their names in order of ages being Maurice, Percy, Gus (in West Australia), Tony, Miss Miriam, and Vincent. "We know thou hast gone where thy forehead is starr'd With the beauty that dwelt in thy soul, Where the fight of thy loveliness cannot be marred, Nor the heart be thrown back from its goal. I know thou hast drunk of the Lethe that flows Through a land where they do not forget, That sheds over memory only repose, And lakes from it only regret !" The funeral took place on Wednesday afternoon, friends and relatives coming from Sydney and elsewhere to show sympathy towards the memory of the departed one. Although the weather was wet and threatening, the cortege was a very long one indeed. The splendid coffin was covered about three deep in wreaths, some of them feeing exquisite works of art. Those who forwarded such mementos were, — Mr & Mrs Blakeney, Mr & Mrs Webb, Mr & Mrs Johnson, Mr & Mrs Groves, Miss P Hibbens, Mrs Clee & family, Mrs and the Misses Carr, Mr & Mrs F Bourke, Mr & Mrs F Williams, Mrs Miller, Mr & Mrs Wright, Mr & Mrs Howard, Mr McCutcheon, Mr & Mrs Oddy, Mr J E Graham, '' The Choir," Misses Todhunter & Raven, Mrs Corr, Mrs Hargreaves, Mr J Murray, Mr & Mrs J T Wilkinson, Mr & Mrs Beale jun, Mr & Mrs Davis, Mrs Pother and family, Mr and Mrs Mulvihil, Mr & Mrs Howitt, Mr & Mrs Plant, Mrs Speich, Mr & Mrs H Weeden, Mr & Mrs Beale (sen) and Miss Beale, Mr & Mrs Costello & family, Mr & Mrs Thompson, Mr & Mrs Lynch, Mrs & Misses Nestor, Mrs Hilliard, Mr, Mrs & Miss Stokes, Mrs White (Cootamundra), Mrs Eggleton, Mr and Mrs Aylwin, Mr & Mrs Downing. On Wednesday and following day telegrams of condolence and sympathy were received from 70 different persons in various districts of the state, and letters innumerable are coming along each day, thus evincing the widespread esteem entertained towards the deceased. Her remains were interred in the Catholic portion of the new cemetery, Rev. Father Sharkey, assisted by Rev. Father Lehane, conducting obsequies at the graveside, and Mr. J. Elphick carried out the undertaker's duties in his usual satisfactory manner. Peace be to the remains of one of our most highly respected friends. |
