Obituaries Australia

Many patriotic and charitable organisations had the interest and practical support of Lady Mary Eleanor Symon, widow of Sir Josiah Symon, whose death occurred yesterday morning at the age of 86. During the last war she gave valuable assistance for Belgian relief, and was decorated by the Belgian Government. She was closely associated with the Red Cross Society in the last war, and continued her interest during this war, when she assisted the local branch at Upper Sturt. 

Lady Symon was keenly interested in literature, and there were few women in South Australia who had a greater knowledge of poetry. She founded the Adelaide branch of the Poetry Recital Society in 1910, and remained an active member of the branch until it was disbanded about 10 years ago. The aims of the society were to encourage the study of poetry by speaking as well as reading. The Lady Symon Building at the University of Adelaide was endowed by the late Sir Josiah Symon. Lady Symon, who was the daughter of the late Mr. C. T. Cowle, was born in Tasmania. She leaves five daughters and four sons. Her eldest son, Mr. Charles Symon, died recently.