SUSANNAH PACKER

DEATH AND FUNERAL OF MISS PACKER

Miss Packer, of Donnington-square, who was lying seriously ill when the decease of her brother, Mr John Packer, took place last week, died on Friday morning at the advanced age of 79. The deceased lady was the oldest representative of the Packer family. The funeral took place on Monday afternoon, the first part of the service being read at St. Mary's Church, Speenhamland, where the deceased lady was a worshipper for many year . The service was conducted by the Vicar, Rev. J. G. Gibbs, assisted by the curate, Rev. H. G. Roberts. As the funeral procession entered, Mr. T. Webb, F.R.C.O., played one of Mendelssohn's " Songs without words , " and on leaving Handel's beautiful air, " I know that my Redeemer liveth." '

The interment took place at the Cemetery, in a grave in which Miss Packer's sister was buried a few years ago. The mourners were Miss May and Ethel Packer (nieces), Rev. Charles Packer (nephew), Mr. Alderman Jackson, J P., Miss Jackson, Mr. and Mrs. Rumbold, Mr. H. Burke Godwin, and the servants The body was enclosed in a polished oak coffin, bearing the inscription.

SUSANNAH PACKER.

Died January. 19^Th, 1894. Aged 79.

Amongst those present in church were … (then follows a list of those present).

The funeral arrangements were carried out by Mr. H.S. Hanington, of Northbrook Street.

Preaching on Sunday at St. Mary’s, the Vicar, the Rev. J. G. Gibbs, preaching from Rev. xxi 3-4, introduced his sermon with a reference to the late Miss Packer. He said: “To-day we have to mourn the loss of one present here only three weeks ago, who had for many years been perhaps the most regular worshipper in that church, and who notwithstanding her weight of years was seldom absent from the weekday services whenever her strength permitted her to attend them. She loved this Church well, and gave to its support and to the good of the parish in which she had so long resided far more in proportion to her means than most people do, and since she had gone to her true home.

" I am now at liberty to mention that the cost of the large painting on the Chancel wall was borne by her. It was her gift; it will now be her memorial; and I think that those of us who knew her best will not soon forget the quiet unobtrusive piety and cheerfulness which enabled her to bear up so heavily amidst the loss of so many who were dear to her, and to leave so bright an example. Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord, even so with the spirit for they rest from their labours and their works do follow them."

Newbury Weekly News and General Advertiser - Thursday 25 January 1894