The Tumut and Adelong Times 23 Mar 1923
OBITUARY
Few, if any people in our district had gained the popularty enjoyed by Mrs. Michael Downing, whose death we referred to in our last issue, having occurred on Monday forenoon, the cause being a heart affection, similar to that which carried off our lamented townsman, the late Mr. G. F. Grill. The illness endured was only of short duration, but during its brief period, anxious enquiries were continuously being made as to the progress of the patient, sincerest hopes being expressed that she would recover. Her kind and persevering, nature as a nurse had won for her great admiration, as she was particularly careful, energetic and selfsacrificing in attending to duties she undertook. Drs. Brown and Clouston devoted great skill and attention to the case, endeavouring to save the life of one whose good services could ill be spared in our small community — one or other was very frequently at the beside at all hour of the day and night. The priest of the R C. Church took great interest in the illness, also the kind Sisters of Mercy, their visits being frequent. But Fate willed that the estimable woman was to pass away, the end ensuing most calmly, as if she were falling off to sleep. The daughters (especially Miss Mary) were most persevering and careful in attention given, and neighbours took turns in watching by the bedside of the ailing one. The family and relatives have the gratification of knowing that all possible efforts were ex- pended in endeavouring to save the much valued life.
The late Mrs. Downing was a native of Nanangroe, Murrumbidgee and a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. W. Cassidy. She was married to Mr. Michael Downing, son (of the late Mr. Robert Downing of Gadara, in 1878, at Tumut, and had a family of 13 children, five of whom predeceased her. Her age, at death was 63 years. She leaves a sorrowing husband and family, the surviving members being Messrs. Frederick, Robert, Matthew, Michael Mrs. J. Emery (Tumut), Mrs McGuigan (Cootamundra), Miss Mary and Nurse Lily. She was in apparently good health until a fortnight before her death, when she was seized with a sudden attack, Dr. Browne being immediately sent for. Deceased was a nurse for many years, being assisted of late by her daughter Miss Lily, after her training in St. Margaret's Hospital, Sydney. At her peaceful death she was surrounded by all members of the family, with the exception of Michael, who is an inmate of the local hospital, suffering from pleurisy. The remains were buried in the old cemetery, beside the late members of her family, the funeral being a lengthy one, including 36 horse vehicle and motor cars. The sad rites at the grave were performed by Rev. Fr. Sharkey, and the funeral arrangements were creditably carried out by Mr. H. W. Baker. The coffin was coveted with beautiful wreaths sent by many kind and sympathising friends. The pall-bearers were Charles and Frederick Downing (sons), and four nephews, Messrs. F. P. Downing, R. Sheahan, Edward Cassidy and G. Sullivan. |
