A great loss has been sustained by the Borough of Higham Ferrers and the district, and, in particular, by the Wesleyan Methodist Church, in the passing away of Mrs. Emma Groome, wife of the late Mr. Abraham Groome, of Higham Ferrers, who pre-deceased her on August 26^th 1895, aged 69. Mrs. Groome’s death took place on Sunday morning last at her residence, 5 High-street, Higham Ferrers, at the age of 85 years. About two years ago she was found to be suffering from glaucoma, a disease of the eye, which caused her considerable pain, and an operation was performed on the left optic by Dr. Jones, of Northampton,. In the presence of Dr. Denys Crew, but the sight of that eye was lost, and subsequently the other eye was attacked, and in December last Mrs. Groome completely lost her sight. In spite of her affliction, however, she remained bright in her disposition and in the best of spirits, and, until within three weeks of her death, she delighted in relating stories of her youth, mainly relating to Methodism. During her illness her unselfish spirit was strikingly manifested, her first thought being always for those around her. That was also her characteristic through life, herself always the last consideration, others always first. Truly her end was peace.

Deceased was born at No. 2 Market-square, Higham Ferrers, on May 31sr 1827, and spent her childhood days there, and in due course she was married to Mr. Abraham Groome, who was also a native of Higham Ferrers, and was born at No. 25 College-street, in which house they spent the first few years of their married life, subsequently moving tom No. 5 High-street, where each resided until their decease.

Mr. Abraham Groome was one of the earliest boot manufacturers in the borough of Higham Ferrers, and the founder of the firm Messrs. A. Groome and Sons, the first factory being at the rear of No. 5 High-street. Mrs. Groome was the oldest Wesleyan Methodist in Higham Ferrers and her father and mother before her (Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Parker) were also intimately associated with that society, her father being a Methodist local preacher. The deceased lady and her husband were both ardent workers and supporters of the old Wesleyan Church at Higham. [more about this]

The deceased lady leaves five sons to mourn her loss, Messrs. George Henry, William Alfred, James Arthur, Albert Owen, and Charles Edward Groome.

Throughout the long illness of Mrs. Groome the greatest kindness was shown to the patient and to the family by Misses Bessie and Sarah Patenall, who assisted most effectively in the sick room.

[a report of the funeral follows]