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Charlotte Margaret Ridge (1820–1906)

After a long and weary illness, Mrs Charlotte Margaret Ridge, relict of the late John Ridge, and mother of Mrs C. Eather, of George-street Windsor, passed away on Tuesday last. The deceased had lived with Mrs Eather (who is organist at St. Matthew's Church) many years, and in her affliction was patiently and tenderly nursed. She had been paralysed and bedridden for a long time, and for the past six months had lost the power of speech. The late Mrs Ridge was one of the respected Cobcroft family, and was born at Wilberforce. She was 85 years of age and remembered many stirring events in the Hawkesbury in the early days of settlement. She was an interesting old lady, well-informed, and till stricken with paralysis was a strong robust woman. Three of her daughters married three Eathers (viz. Clara, Martha and Teana); Fanny became Mrs W. Richards (whose husband is in the firm of Hill Clarke and Co); Louisa became Mrs Stewart, and Mary, Mrs Robert Henson, whose husband is an inspector on the railways. Mr Joseph Ridge, who has recently been in the district, is a son. He is now out Lismore way. The chief mourners at the funeral, which took place on Wednesday afternoon, were Mr W. Richards, Mr Frank H. Eather (grandson), and Mr T. Threlkeld, who is railway station master at Waterfall. The funeral service was conducted by Rev Humphrey Fryer, R.D., rector of St Peter's Richmond, and Rev P. W. Dowe, B.A. rector of St Matthew's. As the cortege entered the church the choir sang 'Hush, blessed are the dead,' and later on during the service 'Days and moments quickly fly,' a favourite hymn of the deceased. Miss Ellie Marden presided at the organ. The funeral obsequies were carried out by Mr R. W. Dunstan.

Rev P. W. Dowe, B.A. (who arrived from Sydney by the 3.15 p m train and while the service was proceeding), thanked the Rev Humphry Fryer for kindly coming to Windsor to conduct the funeral. He would like to say a few words before committing to the grave the mortal remains of one who had so long been a resident of the district – who had been brought up here, and was so well known. He extended his sympathy to Mrs Eather and her family, but it was consoling to know that the departed one had finished life's work. Last year he had conducted 27 funerals in that church. Some of them were young people whose work was not finished – cut off in their prime – some were little children; and they could trust God with the rest of their preparation for the eternal future. Others, like their departed sister, were ripe with years. She had done her hard day's work, and left behind a good record, and they had reason to thank God that He had allowed her to bring up her family before He called her home, after having borne the heat and burden of the day. It was always a sore wrench to have a mother taken away, but her children could lay her body down in thankfulness to God. For the last few months she had been incapacitated; the power of speech had been denied her, and she simply waited quietly for the inevitable end. She was surrounded by all the care and comfort that human kindness and filial love could bestow on her, and in confidence they could lay her in the grave till the dead in Christ would rise to meet their Master. Whether their own lives were as long as hers – as short as those of some who had recently been laid to rest there, let them all live in a way that will be acceptable to God, so that they could say with their departed sister 'I have fought the good fight, I have finished my course, and now go to my Father's home.' As the remains were borne out of the Church Miss Marden played the Dead March in 'Saul.' The remains were then laid to rest with those of her husband who predeceased her by nearly forty years.

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Citation details

'Ridge, Charlotte Margaret (1820–1906)', Obituaries Australia, National Centre of Biography, Australian National University, https://oa.anu.edu.au/obituary/ridge-charlotte-margaret-24983/text33505, accessed 27 April 2024.

© Copyright Obituaries Australia, 2010-2024

Life Summary [details]

Birth

13 July, 1820
Wilberforce, New South Wales, Australia

Death

16 January, 1906 (aged 85)
Windsor, New South Wales, Australia

Cause of Death

stroke

Religious Influence

Includes the religion in which subjects were raised, have chosen themselves, attendance at religious schools and/or religious funeral rites; Atheism and Agnosticism have been included.