The much lamented death of Mrs. J. E. Smith, wife of Mr. J. Enos Smith, organist of St. Mary’s Church, Rushden, took place at Bedford County Hospital last Friday, about 12.45 p.m. Little hope of her recovery was held out after the second operation was performed on Mrs. Smith, the internal growth being irremovable. Everything that surgical skill, nursing ability, and kind treatment could do was done to relieve the sufferings of the patient, but she grew weaker, and passed peacefully away, Mr. Smith being present at the time. Much sympathy is felt with Mr. Smith in his bereavement, Mrs. Smith and he having been well known by many friends for a very considerable time in Rushden.

Mrs. Smith was a native of Stanwick, and was married to Mr. Smith at Stanwick Church on June 2nd. 1887. A few years later Mr. Smith had a schoolroom built for Mrs. Smith on the Wellingborough-road, Rushden, and it was there that the well-known Kindergarten school was begun. Mrs. Smith worked up an excellent institution, and afterwards moved to the Kindergarten school, Moor-road, having been Principal for over 20 years. During her illness the school has been conducted by Mrs. Westley, a former pupil.

The funeral of Mrs. Smith took place on Tuesday, the arrangements being in the hands of Mr. T. Swindall. The body was conveyed from Bedford, and a short choral service was held in St. Mary’s Church at Rushden at 1.15, the surpliced choir being present. The Rector (Rev. P. E. Robson) officiated. Psalm 90 was chanted, and the hymn “Jesu, Lover of my soul” – the deceased’s favourite – was sung. Mr. W. P. Jolley, organist of St. Peter’s, Rushden, presided at the organ, and gave a feeling rendering of Chopin’s “Funeral March” as the cortege left the church. There were many friends, including pupils of the Kindergarten school, present. After the service the cortege proceeded to Stanwick Churchyard, the Rev. P. E. Robson pronouncing the Committal Sentences at the graveside. There were many friends present from Stanwick and the neighbouring towns. The mourners were: Mr. Smith (widower), Mrs. Clara Morris (sister-in-law), Mr. Ernest Morris (nephew), Miss Ivy Morris (niece); Mrs. C. Levi, Miss A Morris (nieces); Mr. and Mrs. Percy Morris, of Warkton (nephew and niece); Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Clark, of Raunds (cousins). Mr. A. Clark, of Rushden (cousin), was too ill to attend. The coffin, of polished oak with brass fittings, bore the following inscription: “Sarah Eleanor Smith, born March 13, 1859, died February 6th, 1920.” Included amongst the many beautiful wreaths was a floral harp from the pupils of the School, and a cross from the Rector and Choir of St. Mary’s, Rushden.

Mr. Smith wishes to take this opportunity of thanking most gratefully the very large number of friends who have sent such beautiful letters of sympathy; letters which have helped him so much to bear his sorrow.