Markdale's oldest and one of its most highly esteemed and beloved citizens in the person of Mrs. Annie Hollingshead passed away on Wednesday, December 1st, 1926, aged 88 years. The deceased had been in failing health for some time and her death was not unexpected.
   The late Mrs. Hollingshead was born in Darlington on December 20, 1838, and when 12 years of age she came with her parents to Orange Valley, where for a number of years the family resided and took a prominent part in the advancement of the community. In 1862 the deceased took up residence in this village and since that time she had resided here continuously, and during those long years she had never failed to take advantage of every opportunity to make things brighter and more pleasant for those in trouble or adversity. It can be said and truly so that no one other person in the community has contributed so much to the welfare of Markdale and the people of the community as the late Mrs. Hollingshead. She was consistently and continuously one of those Christian characters whose life was spent in the spread of sunshine. Her membership in Christ Church began when the congregation was first organized and continued faithfully until the day of her death. Many in the community feel that they have lost a real mother in the passing of Mrs. Hollingshead. She was greatly interested in the Orange Order and assisted very materially in advancing the work of the society and her services were greatly appreciated by the members.
   The funeral took place Tuesday afternoon from her late home on Main street in Markdale. The services were held in Christ Church and were conducted by Rev. A. S. Mitchell, the rector, who was assisted by Rev. A. W. Richardson of Wyoming, a former rector and a close friend of the departed. The latter preached a thoughtful and impressive sermon based on the words "Till the day break and the shadows flee away," and in his remarks paid tribute to the worth of the deceased. The church was filled to capacity by sorrowing and sympathizing friends and neighbours. The pallbearers were Messrs. H. Mercer, J. Hannah, J. H. Johnson, T. H. Reburn, J. E. England and A. E. Colgan. Among those from a a distance in attendance at the funeral were Mrs. Flesher of Sarnia, Mrs. Paynter of Winnipeg, Mr. and Mrs. Wright and Mrs. Snell of Ceylon, Mrs. Boyce of Priceville, Mrs. John Blackstock of Toronto, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Pringle of Nobleton, Mr. Jos. Taylor and Mr. McKenna of Singhampton, Mr. and Mrs. Haines of Kimberley.
   Beautiful floral tributes were placed on the casket by the following: Wreaths from her daughter, Mrs. Josephine Irvine, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Wright and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Snell of Ceylon; Mr. and Mrs. Boyce and family of Priceville, Mr. and Mrs. Macphater of Owen Sound. Sprays from Ladies' Guild of Christ Church, Markdale; Mr. and Mrs. G. Flesher, Sarnia; Mrs. Hotton, Sault Ste. Marie; Mrs. Roche, Sault Ste. Marie; Mr. Oswald and Misses Elizabeth and Dorcas Walker; Mr. and Mrs. P. J. Thompson; Mr. and Mrs. J. S. Kelley, Markdale; Mrs. Martin and Elroy of Hamilton; Mrs. Minnie Chalmer, Owen Sound; Mr. and Mrs. John Thompson, Owen Sound; Bennett, Bellamy & Ovens, Toronto; Lt. Col. J. C. Campbell and Mrs. Campbell, Toronto; Haslam & Johnston; Mr. and Mrs. W. N. Haskett, Mrs. Hill, Mrs. H. L. Douglass and Mrs. C. English, Markdale.
   The late Mrs. Hollingshead is survived by one daughter, Mrs. Josephine Irvine, with whom she resided here and one sister, Mrs. Blackstock, who is an invalid and who for several years has been tenderly cared for by the deceased in her home.