Margaret Simon with L to R granddaughters Sisters M. Aiden (Mary Rowe) and M. Damian (Emily Rowe) Margaret ca. 1938 Backgound Music: Just a closer walk with thee |
OBITUARYMRS. MARGARET SIMON Mrs
Margaret Simon, relict of the late Capt. Jacob Simon, passed away at the
Gladstone residence of her son, Mr. Albert Simon, on Sunday
morning last, aged 94 years, and with her passing came a shadow
of sorrow to every member of the Macleay community, for she was
one of the outstanding pioneers personalities of this district,
highly respected and well known to young and old. She was the
oldest living native-born resident of the Macleay, being a
daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. David Fogarty of East Kempsey,
whose name is still perpetuated in Fogarty's Flat. It will be
pleasing to see her many friends to know she passed away very
peacefully, after a few brief days of indisposition.
The late Mrs. Simon was born at Dongingalong, on the 23rd Febrary, 1844, and was baptised at Port Macquarie, although she had not visited that town since her baptism. Her parents were both drowned in the Macleay River when she was but six years old, and she was reared from that age by the late Mr. and Mrs. Thomas Bowen, of Warneton. At Kempsey she married the late Capt. Jacob Simon, who predeceased her thirteen years ago, but whose name still lives on the Macleay in shipping circles as a master mariner of rare ability, keen business judgement, and generous nature. The late Mrs. Simon accompanied her husband on the s.s. Tahlee when he took soundings of the New Entrance to the Macleay River. The late Mrs. Simon, whilst unfailing in the care of her own family, spent a great portion of her life in generous assistance to others, not only to her immediate neighbours, but to all folk scattered far and wide throughout the Macleay and adjoining districts. She was the only woman experienced in midwifery at a period when there were never more than two resident doctors in Kempsey, and when the only means of transport was by horseback or by row boat. No hard ship daunted this fine old pioneer lady, and at all hours and in all weathers she travelled by flood field to succour some pioneer sister in distress. Right to the end she maintained her cheerful outlook on life, and only a week prior to her death was in Kempsey on a visit to a sick friend, and on Sunday, 3rd July, was in attendance at the Confirmation service conducted by Coadjutor Bishop Farrelly at Smithtown Catholic Church. She was always loyal and sincere worker for her church, and for many years a member of the Sacred Heart Society, whilst no worthy public movement lacked her support. After her marriage she resided at East Kempsey for many years, later moving to Yarrahppinni. Forty six years ago she went to Gladstone, and there she has resided ever since. Messr's William and Albert E Simon, both of Gladstone, are the only surviving members of her family. Two sons predeceased her, as also did three daughters, the late Mrs. W. H. Rowe, the late Mrs. C. Palmer, and the late Mrs. T. Rowe. Seventeen grandchildren and great-grandchildren also survive her, two of the grand children being Sister Aidan, of Grafton Convent, and sister Damien, of Mallanganee. On Monday the casket was removed to the Catholic Church, Smithtown, where the Requium Mass was celebrated by the Rev. Father T. J. O'Regan. The funeral, under conduct of Mr. Jos. T. Walker, took place at eleven o'clock that day, leaving the Church after a service by father O'Regan, and at which Miss Patti Simon a granddaughter of the deceased, played the Dead March in Saul. The Church was filled to overflowing, as there, the members of Smithtown H.A.C.B.S. in full regalia, formed a guard of honour through which the funeral passed en route to the Catholic Cemetery at Fredericton, where the H.A.C.B.S. members again formed a guard of honour, and she was laid to rest along side her late husband. The Rev. Father O'Regan officiated at the graveside, the Rev. Fathers Cranny and Brennan asisting. As a tribute to the late Mrs. Simon, the Macleay Shire Council adjourned their meeting and the Councillors attended he funeral, which was one of the largest ever seen on the river, people coming from far north as the Bellinger and the Nambucca Rivers, as well as all parts of the Macleay to pay tribute to one of the most notable women the district has known. Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bowen of Macksville, and Mesrs. Pat and Clem Partridge, of Wirrimbi where amongst the lifelong friends of the deceased in attendance at the funeral. § Obituaries & photos of Margaret Simon courtesy of great-grandson John Simon. |