Obituaries Australia

There died at Berrima on Wednesday morning last one of the oldest if not the oldest, residents of the district, in the person of Mrs. Mary Ann Armfield, who was in her 84th year–truly, a link with the past. Born in Melbourne, she came to Berrima as a mere child, and when only a girl was present at the laying of the foundation stone of the historic old Holy Trinity Church 77 years ago; she was also present subsequently at the opening and consecration of the same church performed by Bishop Broughton, first bishop of Sydney and at the time bishop of Australia. When 18 years of age she was married in that church to the late Mr. William Armfield. A family of one son (Mr. Edward Armfield, of Ocean street, Bondi) and two daughters (Mrs. Harris and Miss Lena Armfield) survive her. The funeral took place on Thursday afternoon, when the remains were conveyed to the church. A service, at which Rev A. C. Corlette gave a short address, was commenced with the hymn, 'Hush! Blessed are the Dead'. At the conclusion of the service and as the body was borne out of the church the organist (Mr. R. Whyte) played 'The Dead March in Saul.' The coffin was lowered into a grave in the churchyard alongside that of her husband who predeceased her 56 years ago, Rev. Mr. Corlette also reading the burial service. Mr R. B. Simpson conducted the funeral service.