Elizabeth (Morrissey) Neary 1852-1941

NEARY, MORRISSEY

Posted By: Joe Conroy (email)
Date: 8/7/2010 at 08:52:27

The Reporter
Emmetsburg, Iowa
10 July 1941
Page 1

Death Takes Mrs. J. F. Neary Sunday Night

Widow of a pioneer local merchant. Was 89 years of age.

Mrs. John F. Neary, widow of a pioneer merchant and real estate dealer in Emmetsburg, died at her home in third ward Sunday night at 9 o'clock. She had been in failing health for a number of years and was bedfast since October 1940. Funeral services were held Wednesday morning in the Assumption church. Very Rev. Wm. Mason officiated and delivered an impressive sermon on the strong, unchanging faith of the pioneers, as exemplified in the life of Mrs. Neary. The acolytes were three grandsons, James and Hugh Neary of Emmetsburg and John Neary of Omaha. Priests in the sanctuary included: Rev. M. McNerney and Rev. Thos. Lawless of Emmetsburg, Rev. James Duhigg of Livermore, Rev. Wm. Veit of Whittemore, Rev. L. J. Savage of LeMars and Rev. George O'Brine of Ruthven. The pallbearers were J. L. Neary, Charles Duhigg Jr., Joseph Laughlin, Lou Laughlin, R. J. Martin and Thomas Dunphy. Burial was in St. John's cemetery here. The Foy Funeral home was in charge.

Elizabeth Morrissey was born in Kilkenny county, Ireland, in 1852. She emigrated to America with a sister in 1872 and came to Palo Alto county. She was married to John F. Neary at Emmetsburg in January, 1884. Mr. Neary died in 1907. Four children survive, John of Cedar Rapids, Ray of Omaha and James and Mary, both of Emmetsburg. There are 13 grandchildren and one great grandchild.

In the death of Mrs. Neary, this community loses another of its time-tested characters, whose courage and foresight deserve admiration. Strong faith and Christian fortitude were outstanding throughout her life, including 34 years of widowhood. The long period of failing health and its accompanying suffering that eventually brought death were accepted with a gentle resignation. Her passing leaves a great emptiness in the dwelling which was her home continuously for 54 years. Sincere sympathy is extended to those from whom she has been taken.