Obituary

New Zealand Tablet, Volume XLIX, Issue 39, 5 October 1922, Page 19

Obituary

MRS. MARY SULLIVAN, GREtMOUTH. A sublime instance of Christian humility (writes our own correspondent) was depicted in the life and work of Mrs. Mary Sullivan, a prominent figure in pioneer Church work on the West Coast; who was called suddenly to her reward on the afternoon of Thursday, September 13, at the age of 85. It is doubtful if one among the numbers who throng to St. Patrick’s Church knew before this grand old lady’s demise that the deep-toned bell which called them to prayer (the finest on the West Coast) was presented by Mrs. Sullivan. Sixteen years ago she made the gift, but so disinterested were her motives that her own children were ignorant of it. One mentioned to her that he had seen the bell with her name inscribed “ Ora pro donatrice —Maria Sullivan. Laudo JDeum Verum .” His mother merely showed a non-committal twinkle 'in ■ her eyes! Mrs. Sullivan, prior to her death, had been in gradually failing health, but the end was unexpected. She was a native of Co. Clare, Ireland. She arrived in Hokitika in 1866 accompanied by her late husband, who died about 20 years’ ago. Before coming to Grey mouth, where Mrs. Sullivan resided for 35 years, the family lived at Stafford." A largo family, prominent in the active side of the Church, survives her. _ There are four daughters and six sons, and 20 grandchildren—amongst whom is the Rev. Brother Eric, Timaru. The daughters are Mrs, W. Ryan and Mrs. J. Kennedy (Greymouth), Mrs. Rohloff (Christchurch) and Miss Ellen Sullivan (Greymouth), who was with her mother to the end. The sons are William and Daniel (Greymouth), Richard (Te Kinga), Joseph (Christchurch), and John and James (Nelson).—R.l.P. MRS. FRANCES MARY DONNELLY, NGARUAWAHIA. There passed away on the 17th ult., at the residence of her daughter (Mrs. O’Connell; Ngaruawahia), Mrs. Frances Mary Donnelly. Born at Lower Hutt 79 years ago, the late Mrs. Donnelly resided there until the death of her husband six years ago. She was attended during her last illness by Rev. Father Hunt; The remains were removed to SS. Peter and Paul’s Church, Lower Hutt, of which church deceased was organist; for 33 years. Requiem Mass for the repose of her soul was celebrated by Rev. Father Carmine, and at the conclusion of Mass Miss P. Connoly played the “Dead March.” Very Rev. Dean Lane officiated at the graveside, and spoke in feeling terms of the many services rendered by deceased. Educated at St, Mary’s Convent, Hill Street, Wellington, the late Mrs. Donnelly was one of the first teachers at the old Stockade school. Deceased leaves a family of three daughters Mrs. A. Rodgers (Palmerston North), Mrs. D. O’Connell (Ngaruawahia), Mrs. H. Fowler (Reefton) —and one son Mr. 0. Donnelly (Lower Hutt), 22 grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. —R.I.P. ; ■ . ' MR. PATRICK McHUGH,/DARFIELD. There passed away at his residence,, Darfield, on the 18th ult., Mr. Patrick McHugh, fortified , by the last rites ’ of Holy Churchy The late Mr. McHugh was attended during' his short illness by Rev. Father T. Hanrahan, of Christchurch, who also celebrated Requiem Mass for the repose of the soul of deceased. The funeral took place on the 20th, and was . very largely attended, people coming from a long distance to pay their last respects to an esteemed old resident. His four sons acted as pall-bearers.

Rev. Father. J. Hanrahan, assisted by his brother (Rev. Father T. Hanrahan) officiated at the graveside. The late Mr. McHugh was the son of the late Patrick and Catherine McHugh, Swanlinbar, Co. Cavan, Ireland. He arrived in New Zealand by the ship Lady Jocelyn, landing at Lyttelton on December 11, 1879. His first employment was with the late Sir Cracroft Wilson, Cashmere. Later he worked on road and railway construction contracts throughout Canterbury. In 1884 he settled in Darfield, and a year later married Miss Mary Shannon, eldest daughter of the late Margaret and Patrick Shannon, Mulnaherb, Co. Fermanagh, Ireland. The deceased was a member of the church committee and was a ready and willing helper in Church matters. He is survived by his wife and grown-up family of five sons and one —Messrs. J. S. McHugh (Hororata), J. J. McHugh (“The Peaks,” North Canterbury), A. G. McHugh (Auckland), F. C. McHugh (Darfield), Peter McHugh (South Canterbury}, and Miss McHugh (Darfield). He wiis predeceased by two —Mr. P. E. McHugh died at Te Awamutu, and another died in infancy.R.l.P.