It was with very deep regret that we recorded briefly in our last issue the death of Mrs. John Clark, sen., of 68 Moor-road, Rushden, which took place on Oct. 10^th at the age of 73 years.

The deceased lady leaves a husband, six sons, and four daughters to mourn her loss, in addition to 38 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Mrs. Clark was the daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Warren, of Rushden, the former following the trade of carrier between Rushden and Wellingborough for many years. She was of a most kind and sympathetic nature, always ready to help anybody in distress or laid aside through illness, and it is little to be wondered at that she was greatly beloved and respected by all who came under her kindly beneficence. By religious persuasion the deceased lady was a staunch Methodist, and for many years was a member of the Wellingborough-road Wesleyan Reform Mission, in which her son, Mr. John Clark, takes a very active part. Her chief aim in life was the welfare of her home and family, and she was all that a mother could be to her children, not one of whom but would attribute their present position in life to the good influence exerted over them in their youth, by both father and mother. Several of the deceased lady’s sons have obtained prominent positions in civic and business life, and several of the daughters are also well known and respected in the town; in particular Nurse Hartwell, whose kind and sympathetic nature, no doubt inherited from her parents, has made her welcome at many a sick bedside in the town and neighbourhood. The illness which culminated in Mrs. Clark’s death was fortunately not long or painful, and she remained conscious right up to the last, recognising her sons and daughters who had gathered at her bedside. The end was very peaceful, just a falling asleep, the last words uttered by the deceased lady being “Good night.”

The Funeral

took place on Monday afternoon in the Rushden cemetery, and the large congregation which assembled in the Wellingborough-road Mission Hall, where the first portion of the service was held, was a striking manifestation of the high respect and esteem in which the deceased lady was held. Mr. Sidney Parker presided at the organ, and whilst awaiting the arrival of the mourners played Mendelssohn’s beautiful and appropriates air “O rest in the Lord.” The hymns were “Rock of Ages,” “Now the labourer’s task is o’er,” and “Peace, perfect peace.” As the cortege left the church an impressive rendering of Chopin’s Marche Funebre was given, the congregation typifying their respect for the deceased’s memory by standing. [a report of the service follows]

A large number assembled in the cemetery to witness the committal portion of the burial ceremony and to pay their last tribute of respect to the deceased lady’s memory. The grave was lined with laurel leaves, white chrysanthemums, and maidenhair fern, the work of Mr. Twelvetree, the gardener at Heatherbreea. The coffin, which was of panelled polished oak with brass fittings, bore a breastplate with the inscription:-

Phœbe Clark
Died 10^th October 1912
Aged 73 years.

[a list of mourners and wreaths follows]