Mary Ann Courtney

COURTNEY

Posted By: Carrie Robertson (email)
Date: 10/25/2016 at 21:47:22

Monday October 3, 1910 The Cedar Rapids Evening Gazette News of Marion
Mrs. Courtney was born December 11, 1827, in Greensborough, Pennsylvania, where she grew to young womanhood. She was educated in the east and became a successful teacher. While yet in her teens she with her parents moved to Linn county, Iowa, where she continued teaching until her marriage to J.M. Courtney, November 30, 1851, and she has resided in Marion township and the city of Marion ever since. She leaves to mourn her loss besides her husband, four daughters, tow sons and one brother. For over fifty years she had been a faithful and devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal church interested in every phase of church work.
Mrs. Courtney was one of the pioneer women of Marion. She passed away Friday night at the family residence on West Sixth avenue after being confined to her bed as an invalid for four years. All members of the family were present when the end came.
While the passing away of this noble woman brings sadness to many friends, it was not unexpected, as it was generally known for several weeks that little hope had been entertained for her recovery. She was confined to her bed for four years but no word or murmuring or complaining emanated from her lips.
With her physical frame so wrecked, her inner life was calm and peaceful and her mental faculties remained unimpaired up to the last your. Many who visited her bedside came away with new comprehensions of the virtues of patience and resignation.
"Did she suffer, 'twas in silence
Born with such a noble grace,
That the soul's heroic conquest
Left its impress on her face."
Her life was one of sincerity, noteworthy for her devotion to her family and her keen interest in the welfare of her friends. She was possessed of an indomitable spirit of courage and fortitude yet filled with humanity and charity.
Her beautiful simplicity of life, her unselfish devotion to her Master, her loving service to her family, her invariable cheerfulness, sense of justice, her high standards and her thoughtful and disinterested consideration for the welfare of other endeared her to the people among whom she lived. Even in her greatest suffering her life was as the placid beauty of an unclouded sky. She leaves a memory of pure thoughts, kindly deeds and loving influence which constitute a rich and goodly heritage.
The funeral services were held at the family residence Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock and were largely attended. The house was filled with friends and many were seated in the yard. Rev. S.R. Beatty conducted the service and was assisted by Rev. Mr. Miller, Rev. J.A. Smith and Rev J. Lee. Appropriate music was furnished by the Methodist men's chorus, whose singing had always been a great pleasure to Mrs. Courtney during her lifetime. One selection was sung by a mixed quartet.

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