WHITAKER, Mary E. (Clark) 1832-1893

WHITAKER, CLARK, GOODELL, HALL

Posted By: S. Bell
Date: 4/1/2015 at 21:17:04

[Waterloo Courier, Wednesday, August 30, 1893, Waterloo, Iowa]

Death of Mrs. R. A. Whitaker.

Once again in these closing days of summer the badge of mourning appears on the door of the home of Mr. H. A. Whitaker, and to all the story is told who see the black crape that another member of the family has been called home, after weeks of terrible suffering. Only five months ago today the dreary symbol of death was seen on the same door, placed there for the dear daughter, Della* Goodell, who passed away in the springtime of the year and the early prime of her life. Now, the mother has gone and like these quiet parting days of the bright summer, so it was given her to enjoy a fuller fruition of life.

Since the death of her daughter the burden of sorrow has seemed heavy to the mother-heart, and although she said but little, it was plainly to be seen that grief and ill health were leaving their marks upon her. Since last March Mrs. Whitaker has not been well. All was done that a loving husband and kind friends could do, but to no avail. The cancerous growth in the stomach would not yield to medical treatment, and slowly yield to medical treatment, and slowly but surely it took away her life while relatives and friends were powerless to do anything, and at eleven o'clock on the night of August 24, the struggle for life was given up. Quietly and sweetly she slept the last hours on earth and awakened in heaven. The husband and Mr. Goodell were near her, but so easily was the step between life and death that they were hardly aware the death angel had called.

Mrs. Whitaker's maiden name was Mary E. Clark. She was born in Le Ray, New York, April 17, 1832. Her mother died, and from the age of four years, Mary Clark lived with her grandmother in Great Bend, N. Y. Here she was married to R. A. Whitaker, September 17, 1856. They came to Waterloo immediately and have lived here ever since.

The town has grown from the small village to a city of metropolitan pretensions, and through all its changes Mrs. Whitaker evinced the liveliest interest in its material growth. She was acquainted with the early settlers and enjoyed meeting and talking with them. In disposition she was genial and pleasant, making new friends and retaining her old ones as the years went by. Her place in the community will be hard to fill. Her memory will ever be cherished in loving thoughts by her friends and relatives.

To the husband thus bereft and so alone the clouds seem impenetrable, and the way dark along which he must go, unaccompanied by the loving wife who for thirty-seven years has journeyed with him.

The funeral will be held at 2:30 o'clock tomorrow (Saturday) afternoon, at the house, Rev. E. J. Evans, rector of the Episcopal church, officiating. The Order of the Eastern Star, of which Mrs. Whitaker was a member, will take charge at the grave. The burial will be in Fairview Cemetery.

Mr. A. S. Clark, of Hutchins, Texas, brother of Mrs. Whitaker, has been here during the last part of her sickness, but at the time of her death was in Chicago. A sister, Mrs. Hall, and Mr. Goodell are here. Romaine and Mary, the grandchildren, will be here Saturday. There is, probably, a desire on the part of the friends who knew and loved Mrs. Whitaker, to once more look upon her face, and to such an opportunity will be given tomorrow between the hours of ten and one o'clock. After that the casket will be closed, and all that is mortal of Mary Clark Whitaker will be consigned to earth.

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The daughter "Della" who preceded her in death was Ardella Genevieve (Whitaker) Goodell 1858 - 1893

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[Iowa State Reporter, Thursday, August 31, 1893, Waterloo, Iowa]

The death of Mrs. Mary E., wife of R. A. Whitaker occurred last Thursday night. Aug. 24, at 11 o'clock. Although not unexpected, the news of the actual event saddened our citizens generally more than any death that has occurred here in years. Her long residence in this city, her kindly, neighborly ways, her disposition to have part in every good work, had made her friends wherever she had an acquaintanceship.

She was born in Le Ray, N. Y., April 17, 1832, but spent most of her life, until her marriage, with her grandmother in Great Bend, N. Y. She was married to Mr. Whitaker Sept. 17, 1856, and Waterloo then became her home. She was a homemaker in its broadest and best sense, and it was a place of genuine hospitality always.

The death of her only daughter, Mrs. G. A. Goodell, five months ago, was a heavy stroke to her loving heart, and in her depressed condition disease made rapid strides.

The funeral was held from the family residence Saturday afternoon, Rev. E. J. Evans, of Christ Church, officiating. There was a large attendance, including nearly all the lady members of the Eastern Star organization, with which she was connected, and in starting which she was an active helper. According to her request the burial ritual of the order was used at her grave, and the words took on a deeper meaning as the members realized they were performing the last sad offices for a sister so devotedly loved.

A short time before her death she said she wished she could personally thank the good friends and neighbors who had so kindly assisted and comforted her during her illness, and as that could not be, Mr. Whitaker desires the REPORTER to extend his thanks to all for the many acts of kindness extended during the illness and death of his wife.