Obituaries Australia

With the death of Mrs. Annie Wardle Weston, which occurred at her home, "Kenilworth," O'Connell-street, Parramatta, on Tuesday, this district loses another of its very old residents.

After her marriage to the late Mr. Francis J. Weston in 1866, she went to reside on the latter's estate, "Horsley," Prospect, and remained there until 1904, when she removed to "Kenilworth. She had lived in Parramatta continuously for 29 years.

Mrs. Weston, who was in her 94th year, was a daughter of the late Captain Charles Throsby Smith, of Wollongong, and it was while he and his wife were on a pleasure cruise among the islands that she was born at Manila. The captain of the vessel on which her parents were touring was named Wardle and deceased was named after his wife, Mrs. Annie Wardle. The arrival of Captain Smith's little daughter was quite an event at Manila and the Chinese residents bestowed many gifts upon the little one. Some of the dresses which were presented have been preserved down through the years by Mrs. Weston.

Mr. Weston's father was one of the most prominent men in the Illawarra district, and it is interesting to note that every church in Wollongong was built on land given by him for the purpose.

Her late husband, who died in 1902, was one of the best known of this district's residents. He was a grandson of the late Colonel Johnston, of Annandale, famous in the early public affairs of New South Wales.

Mrs. Weston was educated at Kiama and she used to relate how, when returning to school from holidays, it was necessary for boatmen to row her out to the steamer, as there was no wharfage accommodation for such vessels at Wollongong.

Throughout her life, deceased was a warm supporter of the Church of England. She was a Sundary school teacher at Wollongong, and upon taking up residence at "Horsley'' she rendered splendid service for St. Bartholomew's, Prospect. For many years she was a regular worshipper at St. John's, Parramatta, but in recent years ill-health prevented her attendance.

Mrs. Weston in earlier years was a most energetic worker on behalf of Parramatta District Hospital.

She was most charitable and hospitable, and was always to the fore in any worthy cause. Her refined and sympathetic nature gained for her the esteem of a very large circle of friends in the Parramatta district. She leaves no family.

The funeral is arranged to take place this afternoon, and prior to the cortege leaving for Prospect Cemetery, a service will be held at St. John's at 2 o'clock.