Bridget (Calihan) Torpey 1846-1916

TORPEY, CALIHAN

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 6/26/2010 at 20:24:15

The Palo Alto Tribune
Emmetsburg, Iowa
19 Jul 1916
Page 1

Mrs. Luke Torpey Passed Away

Mrs. Luke Torpey died at her home at Ayrshire on Sunday evening, July 9. For several days she had been unconscious and death was expected at any time. Mrs. Torpey contracted a cancer about sixteen years ago and every medical assistance possible was engaged but she could get no relief. Death, though always sad, came finally as a kind relief to bear her from a suffering that naught else could appease. Funeral services were held at the Sacred Heart church at Ayrshire on Tuesday morning of last week at 9:30 o'clock. A solemn Requiem High Mass was celebrated. Father Carroll, her pastor, was celebrant, Father Darcey of Clare was deacon, Father Kelly of Graettinger sub-deacon and Father McNerney of this place was master of ceremonies. The pall bearers were J. M. Kelly, P. O'Grady, John McBride, M. B. Kane, Geo. Heald and W. R. O'Brien.

Miss Bridget Calihan was born in New York City in May 1846. She grew to young womanhood in that state and in 1866 was united in marriage to Luke Torpey, who died about twelve years ago. In 1880 Mr. and Mrs. Torpey came to Iowa with their family and located in Pocahontas county where they resided for about sixteen years. They then moved to Ayrshire where the family home has since been. The writer knew Mrs. Torpey well and enjoyed her personal friendship for a score of years. We never entered her home without a hearty welcome nor left it without feeling the warmth of her genuine hospitality. Though she had been a sufferer from personal ailment for many years and underwent the keen sorrow that comes with the death of husband and son, she bore it all bravely. Disease did not destroy the charm of a kind, indulgent disposition nor diminish the unselfish solicitude she always felt for her friends and family. While for years she realized that her active life was over, she continued to enjoy the society of her children and her friends and awaited with resignation the Divine call from this, into Eternal life. She was a true Christian woman and a sincere, devout Catholic. As a mother she was kind, devoted and true. Business cares and their own home circles encroached upon their time and robbed her of the companionship of her children, but she was ever just the same to them, rejoicing in their success and grieving at their misfortunes. They may have grown away from her, but she never from them; they were still her children. Years hence the memory of her unselfish devotion will make them better men and women; her precept will be their guiding star and her example a lasting inspiration to them. The life so long interwoven with theirs has ebbed away and left them lonely indeed. It is folly to attempt to measure the loss of a mother, for the love of a mother is past human understanding and we believe that the tender care of this mother to those nearest and dearest went with her to the better world, and in the great eternity will still be mother-love. Of her five children, four survive her. They are Mrs. Geo. Heald of Spencer, Jas. Torpey of Sleepy Eye, Minn. and Misses Mary and Henrietta Torpey of Ayrshire, the latter always making her home with her mother. She also leaves a sister who resides in Pennsylvania and a brother in Chicago. To them the Tribune extends sincere sympathy and trusts that they will be given strength and grace to bear their grief with fortitude.