OBITUARY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 31 July 1940, Page 4

OBITUARY

MISS ISABELLA MUNRO. The death occurred last night after a lengthy illness, of Miss Isabella Munro, a well-known and highly respected resident of Masterton and a former much-loved teacher of the Central School. Miss Munro’s passing will be deeply regretted by her many friends and by the thousands of pupils who passed through her hands. Her life was one of devoted service in the interests of the young people, many of whom owe her a deep debt of gratitude for the ready help given to them, often at some sacrifice to assist them on the road of life. The late Miss Munro had been in failing health for the past two years. She was born in Inverness, Scotland, and left there for New Zealand with her parents, the late Mr and Mrs Hector Munro, when she was six weeks old. On reaching New Zealand in 1865, the family came to Masterton and Miss Munro had resided here ever since. She was a pupil of the Masterton Central School and started teaching there when she was 15 years of age, continuing with those duties for 35 years. After her retirement from the Central School, for some years she taught shorthand and typewriting at the Masterton Technical School. For over thirty years she held the position of honorary child welfare officer for Masterton and district. During that period she had the responsibility of looking after the interests of State children domiciled here. In this task she took a deep interest, in which the welfare of the children was always placed first. Her motherly interest in her charges was a profound influence in theii’ outlook and even after they had passed out of her keeping she maintained contact with them and was invariably ready to help them if the need arose. There must be many who can never forget and will always appreciate the help and inspiration they received from Miss Munro. Miss Munro was very proud to have been born a Scot and she took the greatest interest in anything that was connected with Scotland or Scottish affairs in New Zealand. She was one of the founders of the St. Andrew Society, Masterton, and in recognition of her work, she was elected one of the first pair of chieftains and was the first and only honorary life member of the society. She did a tremendous lot of work in connection with the Cluny Castle appeal a few years ago. The late Miss Munro is survived by two sisters, Mesdamcs A. C. Milne (Masterton) and F. A. Cameron (Hastings) and by one brother, Mr H. Munro (Masterton), to whom the sympathy of a large number of friends will be extended in their bereavement. The funeral will take place tomorrow, leaving Knox Church, following a service commencing at 2 p.m., for the Masterton Cemetery.