Adelong and Tumut Express 1 Feb 1901
OBITUARY.
MISS MAUD DOWNING.
A SUDDEN DEATH. Great was the anguish occasioned in the hearts of the community of Killarney, and likewise of residents of the surrounding districts, even beyond Adelong and Tumut, when it became known that Miss Maud Downing, daughter of Mr. R. Downing, of Killarney Hotel, had been borne away from us by the stern Reaper 'Death.' The deceased young lady, just budding into the pride of womanhood, her age being scarcely 18 years, appearing hail and hearty, was seized with a painful attack on Tuesday afternoon last, which eventually caused some alarm in the, to us, ancient household. She had, at times, complained a little of not feeling 'particularly' well, though her always healthy complexion never led anyone to believe that she was indeed ill. Her personal appearance at mid-day on Tuesday would have inspired anyone, to use a colloquialism, to have taken a lease of her life ; but there seems to have been every reason for the alarm subsequently aroused regarding her well being. Shortly after lunch. Miss Downing (up to that time in her usual jovial spirits) was suddenly at tacked by an acute pain, and had to be taken to her room in consequence. Dr. Mason, of Tumut, was sent for, and after examining the patient did not consider her dangerously ill, and therefore her relatives and friends entertained no serious concern. The next morning the pains came on with renewed violence, and the services of Dr. Mason were again sought for, but before he arrived at the bedchamber Miss Downing had passed awny peacefully, death supervening at 11 a.m. on Wednesday. Dr. Mason then gave, as his opinion as to the immediate cause of death, peretionitis ; but what had caused it he was at the time unable to determine. A post-mortem examination was held by Dr. Mason yesterday morning, and as a result the Tumut medico found that a 'fluid abscess ' had burst in the chest cavity, and run ?? the abdominal cavity, causing peretonitis. Miss Downing was a strong, hearty and robust-looking lady, full of life, and was a general favorite with all whose acquaintance or friendship she had formed. The dire calamity falling upon the family at her early age, and being least expected, has given a terrible shock to them and their very large circle of friends. The funeral took place yesterday afternoon. Many floral tributes were sent. The Rev. Father O'Dwyer officiated at the grave. The cortege was one of the largest over seen in the district. Very impressive scenes ocourred at the graveside, and many persons left with tear-bedimmed eyes. Mr. H. Hoad conducted the funeral arrangements. |