Obituaries Australia

With the death (briefly recorded in our last issue) of Mrs. Mary Ann Brooker, relict of the late William Brooker, at the age of 86 years, the oldest resident of the Kangaloon district has passed to her rest. Mrs. Brooker, a daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Youman, was born at Dapto in October, 1869, and as a small child came to East Kangaloon with her parents, who selected the farm now owned by Mr. E. A. Brooker. Over sixty years ago she married Mr. William Brooker and came to live at "Forest Lodge," Kangaloon, where she lived for the remainder of her life.

Mrs. Brooker, who was very highly respected and esteemed, took a very active part in the affairs of the district, and particularly in the Presbyterian and Methodist Churches. When East Kangaloon was part of the Presbyterian charge of Moss Vale the minister would ride or drive out from Moss Vale on Saturday for the monthly service and was always the guest of Mrs. Brooker. She also took keen interest in the work of the Methodist Church at Kangaloon, and at the Golden Jubilee of the church some twelve years ago, she and the late Mr. Brooker were among the guests of honor. Theirs was the privilege of cutting the birthday cake at the reception, which also was the anniversary of their fifty years of married life.

The home of Mrs. Brooker was freely made available to ministers for lantern lectures on behalf of the Methodist Church Missionary Society.

At the switching on of the electric light – the greatest progressive step yet in the district — at Kangaloon nine years ago, it was fitting that Mrs. Brooker should have the honor of officially performing the ceremony. Mrs. Brooker saw the district grow from its virgin state to its present high standard. She always had great faith in it and its people. She made a host of friends who count it a great privilege to have been associated with this lady.

At the funeral ?? Sunday, when she was ?? her late husband ?? 11 years ago at East Kangaloon ? ? representative congregation ? ? friends and relatives were ? ? was a wet day, but ? ? was held the sun broke through and shone over the grave and the many beautiful wreaths, making a perfect and inspiring setting.

Rev. D. J. Munro officiated.