Johanna Wolfe Collison 1847-1908

COLLISON, WOLFE, MULVIHILL, WELCH, STAAK

Posted By: Geo Clinton (email)
Date: 3/20/2014 at 10:48:49

Dec 10, 1908 - Carroll Times - Tuesday morning friends were shocked to learn of the death at her home in Maple River township, of Mrs. Johanna Collison, wife of F.A. Collison. Few were aware even of her being ill, as an attack of pneumonia seemed yielding to medical treatment and she was considered improving. Monday evening a sudden change for the worse occurred, and in spite of speedy measures to ward off the insidious attack, she sank fast and passed away just before midnight.

Johanna Wolfe, daughter of Maurice and Ellen Wolfe, was born in County Kerry, Ireland, in 1847. At the age of two years she came with her parents to the United States, they settling in La Salle Co., Illinois and after removing to Clinton Co., Iowa.

There were six boys and six girls in the family, as follows: Jas. Wolfe, now of Audubon, Iowa; Maurice and Richard Wolfe of De Witt, Iowa; Thos. of Carroll; Edmund (who died in childhood); John, of San Rafael, Cal.(now deceased); Mrs. Ellen Mulvihill, Oxford Junction, Iowa(dec'd); Mrs. Mary Welch, Marshalltown, Iowa; Margaret Mulvihill, Chicago, Illinois (dec'd); Mrs. Catherine Staak, Carroll, Iowa; Miss Bridget Wolfe, late of this city, and departed.

In 1874 she came to Carroll county and became the wife of F.A. Collison April 13, 1880. Of their union were born four children, who with their father now mourn the beloved mother, Fredrick, Anna, Nellie and Mary. The funeral took place at 10 o'clock this forenoon from St. Joseph's church in this city, attended by one of the largest gatherings of friends and neighbors ever seen on a similar occasion.

There is a bond between neighbors that grows stronger with the flight of years. The severing of these ties of pioneer friendship by relentless death brings sorrow and tears to those who learn to appreciate unselfish helpfulness extended on so many occasions by one whose cold hands are now folded in death. It is then that amid pangs of regret we realize that there is a vacancy in the circle, that we shall behold the welcome cheering face no more. She whom kind hands have laid to her last resting place, how ready, with word and deed, had she been to assist those in illness or distress. Kindly and charitably her helping hand was extended to neighbor, friend or stranger in need or misfortune.

"That best portion of a good woman's life — Her little nameless, unremembered acts of kindness and of love."

A home loving, devoted Christian wife and mother has been called home. Her life was a splendid exemplification of the true spirit that labors for a higher cause. She sought to rear her children to men and women worthy of that strong sturdy race, the ancestry whereof made fitting the title "Isle of Saints." Whatever hope for success in this world this mother had for her children, above all, her labors and prayers went out for their eternal life and they were not in vain.

On that face, damp with the dew of death there settled a holy peace. Her life's work had not been in vain. The loved ones gathered about her had proved true to her teachings. Calmly she could commend them to the eternal Father while giving up her soul to His mercy. While eyes are dimmed with tears, while hearts bleed, and while prayers ascend for her soul's eternal rest, there comes to those who loved, knew and esteemed her best, the sweet consolation that this life was not lived in vain, that her acts and deeds will be her best plea at God's throne, that she will enter everlasting joy.