Obituaries Australia

There was no more widely beloved resident of South Australia than Lady Thomas, relict of Sir Robert Kyffin Thomas, who passed away at her residence, Angas street, Adelaide, late on Friday night. The sad tidings will come as a shock to the community, for though Lady Thomas had been in poor health for a considerable time, her remarkable vitality had belied the serious heart trouble from which she suffered. Here was a most charming and unselfish personality, and it was difficult, even in the last illness, to persuade her to conserve her strength. Her circle of friends was a wide one, and her sympathies broad, so that no one sought her advice or assistance in vain. She was a daughter of the late Robert George Bowen, and was born in 1855, and attended Miss Bridgman's school. In 1876 she married Mr. (afterwards Sir) Robert Kyffin Thomas. In 1884 they took a trip to England with some of the members of their family; and again in 1909 Lady Thomas accompanied her husband to the old country, where he presided at the Overseas Press Conference held in London. They returned to South Australia in 1910 and in the same year Sir Robert passed away.

Lady Thomas was President of the School for Mothers when that institution was in its infancy. For several years she was a member of the committee of the Queen's Home, and also Vice-President and Chairman of the executive committee of the Victoria League for a considerable time. About six years ago these active positions were regretfully resigned on account of indisposition, but Lady Thomas's name remained as Hon. Vice-President of the Victoria League. There were many other mediums of welfare work that Lady Thomas supported, but her gospel was to do good by stealth; so that the majority of her countless good deeds will never be known. A correspondent writes: — 'There has just passed from us a beautiful life, beautiful in its sincerity and deep understanding of humanity. It was a happy life also, surrounded by loved ones; and deservedly happy. The world is the poorer for her going, for such a sweet life must radiate its kindness, far afield. At the entrance to The Register, the foundation stone bears her name in an inscription to the effect that she assisted at that ceremonial. But, more than that, Lady Thomas has laid the foundation stone of a hallowed memory in the hearts of her friends, and their name is legion. The family comprises Messrs. G. K. and O. K. Thomas, Mesdames D. T. Harbison and Leonard Hack, Misses Nora K. and Kathleen K. Thomas, and four grandchildren.