Obituaries Australia

Eleanor Parkes, n.d.

State Library of Victoria, 49351720

Lady [Eleanor] Parkes, the second wife of Sir Henry Parkes, died at her residence, Kenilworth, Johnston-street, Annadale, on Tuesday at noon. She was suffering from an internal complaint, and had been ill for about eight months. On Monday she was reported to be somewhat better, although it was understood that the end could not be delayed, and on Tuesday she sank rapidly. She had previously undergone two operations at the hands of Dr. Maurice O'Connor and Dr. Foreman, in hope of arresting the malady from which she suffered, but they were unavailing. She was married to Sir Henry Parkes in February, 1889, and was 36 years of age at the time of her death. Lady Parkes's maiden name was Dixon, and she was a native of Wooler, in the county of Northumberland (England). Sir Henry, who feels his loss acutely, though he bears up with characteristic fortitude, decided at once that he could not fulfill his engagement to open his campaign at the Gaiety Theatre on Tuesday night, but otherwise, it is understood, that Lady Parkes's decease will not interfere with his political engagements. Lady Parkes took an active and genuine interest in numerous charities, the boys on the training ship Sobraon especially enlisting her kindest sympathy. Sir Henry received a large number of messages of condolence and from a wide circle of friends with whom Lady Parkes was a general favourite. The funeral, which was conducted as quietly as possible, took place on Thursday at Ryde.