The Tumut and Adelong Times 11Feb 1936
OBITUARY MISS FRANCES CAMPBELL The untimely death of Miss Francis ("Fanny") Campbell removes from Gilmore one of the most popular young ladies. Miss Campbell who it will be remembered, was given a hearty send-off and presentation by the Gilmore Branch of the Agricultural Bureau only a few weeks ago prior to her departure for Wagga where she intended settling for a time, was then hopeful of making a trip to England. The subject of our obituary was foremost in all social activities at Gilmore, where she will be sadly missed. She was always willing to play her part and had the pleasing manner of being happy and creating happiness. As a foundation member of St. Jude's Church, Gilmore, she had few wquals both in regard to general work connected with the church and as a regular attendant at services. Her musical voice was always heard in the choir and she could also play the organ and piano. The latter instrument she loved and she was probably the best player of piano music among amateurs in this district, and dancing folk will recall the many delightful extras she played for them. She was the life of any party she attended and had a smile tor all. Her favourite song appeared to be 'Pack Up Your Troubles In Your Old Kit bag'. Miss Campbell was a prominent member of the Gilmore branch of the Red Cross Society and was actively engaged in that noble work for over nine years. For upwards of fourteen years Miss Campbell laboured for the good of the Gilmore Branch of the Agricultural Bureau and was an outstanding figure in this connection, her generosity and hospitality being unbounded. She played a leading part on all organising committees concerned with the building of the hall. As a home girl, Miss Campbell played her part faithfully and well. She was passionately fond of her home folk and nursed both her father and mother on their death beds. The late Mrs. Campbell's illness was of a long duration, and during that period she was under the sole care of her daughter Fanny, and, although at times the latter was completely worn out for want of rest, she never complained and was at her mother's beck and call at all hours. It is thought that the beginning of her health impairment was brought about by over strain on her nervous system through her mother's long illness. Since the mother's death Miss Campbell never felt too well, but never complained and no one, excepting her sisters thought she was ill until unmistakable signs manifested themselves. Although in hospital at Wagga for five weeks and under the best medical care obtainable, she became rapidly worse and was ordered to Sydney to consult a specialist, Mrs Len Brown making the trip with her. At St. Luke's Hospital, Sydney, she was attended by Dr. Sydney Jones and Dr. Lyell Bond, the prominent brain specialist, who consulted with seven other specialists, but to no avail for, in spite of all efforts to prolong life, she peacefully passed away on Wednesday morning last, in the presence of her sisters (Mrs. Len Brown, Mrs. H. Raulston and Mrs. J. Harvey), who had attended to all her wants to the end. The nature of Miss Campbell's Illness was rare—encephalitis, due to long standing anaemic condition, which was never suspected, as Fanny was such an energetic girl and so full of vigor and mirth. Last June she suffered a nervous breakdown and contracted 'flu right on top of that, and such severe complications that followed were too much for her con stitution, as she grieved deeply over her mother's death and seemed to be not quite herself. She put up a brave attempt to be still her cheerful self and still put her heart into everything she undertook, and her work in connection with St. John's C. of E. Choir at Wagga and the church and Girls' Friendly Society was very valued. During her long illness in Wagga, Archdeacon West gave her regularly the sacrament of the church she loved, and that was a great consolation and strength to her. Miss Campbell's fine example was an inspiration to other girls, for whatever Fanny undertook to do she put all her heart, and energy and enthusiasm into the effort. She will be missed greatly. The world needs such splendid servers and is the poorer for her passing. Strong men wept at the graveside and her death is a great loss; but she served her Devine Master well and faithfully and was quite prepared for the final call to rest. These lines written by her own dear hands will so clearly express, all that Frances was :— Be strong! We are not here to dream, to drift We have hard work to do and loads to lift. Shun not the struggle; face it— 'Tis God's gift. The body was brought by train to Tumut for interment on Thursday last, and her remains were laid to rest in the C. of E. portion of the New Cemetery, Mr. C. W. Burt carrying out the funeral arrangements. The cortege was a lengthy one, almost every home on Gilmore being represented besides many district residents, all of whom held the deceased in the highest esteem. Miss Campbell was an enthusiastic member of the M.U.I.O.O.F., and took an active interest in the welfare of Loyal Tumut Lodge, where she was initiated about ten years ago. Deceased was accorded an Oddfellows' funeral and although the notice was short there were a good number of brethren present, Bro. B. Robinson, D.G.M., reading the burial service. The pallbearers were Messrs L. W. Brown (brother-in-law), A. W. Davis (cousin), T. J. O'Brien, E. Johnson, J. Smith and G. Livingston. Numbers of beautiful wreaths and floral tributes were placed on the coffin, including a number from prominent public bodies in the district. The remaining members of the family who are left to mourn the loss of a devoted sister are Mrs. L. W. Brown (Gilmore), Mrs. H. Raulston (Wagga), Mrs. Harvey (Sydney) and Charles (Gilmore). |