The sad and totally unexpected event caused profound grief, not only in the borough of Higham Ferrers but throughout the district. On Saturday morning Mrs Crew was apparently in her usual state of health, but, while in the garden, she was seized with a stroke at about one o’clock, and she was found lying in an unconscious state by a maid. She was at once removed into the house, but despite the fact that every possible effort was made for her recovery, Dr Greenfield (of Rushden) and two nurses being in constant attendance, the patient never regained consciousness and passed away peacefully at ten o’clock on Tuesday night. The deceased lady was born on Nov 14th 1845. Besides the bereaved husband, the deceased leaves five children – three sons and two daughters – Mr Edward Crew, Mr Cecil Crew (who lives in Rhodesia, where he is a District Commissioner), Dr Denys Crew (who joined his father in carrying on the practice at Higham Ferrers), Miss Elsie Crew (who is at the present time in Chicago), and Miss Gwendoline Crew. Mr Cecil Crew has only just returned to Rhodesia, after spending a year’s vacation with his friends at Higham Ferrers.

The late Mrs Agnes Dixon Crew, whose maiden name was Frodsham, had lived in Higham Ferrers for not far short of half-a-century, removing to the town directly after her marriage with Dr Crew. She was a daughter of Mr Frodsham, of London, a member of the great firm of Messrs Frodsham, watchmakers.

The deceased lady was the

First Mayoress of Higham Ferrers

Under the new charter of 1886, but her husband after that became the Medical Officer of Health for the borough and consequently was then unable again to accept the office of Mayor. Under the former Charter Dr and Mrs Crew on various occasions carried out the duties of Mayor and Mayoress. Mrs Crew was a niece of the Rev Alexander Dixon, a former curate of Higham Ferrers, who passed away about 35 years ago. Mr Dixon, who lived and died at Ivy House, College-street, had a private income, and not only did he carry out the duties of Curate without a stipend but he contributed very liberally to the Church funds in his day.

Mrs Crew had an unfortunate accident some years ago, falling downstairs, and she had suffered from slight lameness ever since. Prior to the accident she took a prominent part in Church work and in the life of the parish, and right up to the end of her life she acted as a district visitor in connection with the parish of St Mary’s. At one time she did excellent service as a teacher in the St Mary’s Sunday School.. She took a deep interest in the Higham Ferrers Nursing Association and in the work of the Ambulance Brigade, and, in fact, in every movement in the borough for the alleviation of suffering and the good of the people.

The Funeral

will take place tomorrow (Saturday) in St. Mary's Churchyard, Higham Ferrers, the deceased being laid to rest near the grave of her child who died some years ago.

References to Mrs, Crew's sudden and serious illness were made in the service at the Parish Church on Sunday evening and prayers were offered up on her behalf. The Rev. W. T. A. Barber, M.A. D.D., of Cambridge, the special preacher at the Wesleyan Church, also made very sympathetic allusion to Mrs Crew's illness.

At the meeting of the Higham Ferrers Hospital Parade Committee at the Town Hall on Wednesday evening, the Mayor, who presided, said, in opening the meeting, that they could not proceed with the business without first of all referring to the sad death of Mrs Crew She was a lady who had filled the position of Mayoress of the borough on five or six occasions, and he was sure that the sincere sympathy of all the townspeople would be tendered to the family in their great bereavement.