Catherine "Katie" Lawler

LAWLER

Posted By: Shannon Halpin Zuzek (email)
Date: 5/15/2002 at 20:40:18

August, 1895

Mr. and Mrs. David Lawler residing four miles south of Clare, have the sympathy of the entire community in the loss of their daughter, Katie, who died on Friday, Aug. the 9th after two weeks illness. She was 22 years of age and the possessor of a good disposition and a large circle of friends feel deeply grieved over her sudden taking off. Death is sad at any time and all circumstances but in the present case where its victim was just entering into womanhood with flattering prospects for a bright future and a successful career ahead of her it is hard to contemplate. It is difficult for the parents to part with the girl who has been the staff of their late years. It is hard for her brothers and sisters to see the family circle broken into by death and her whose sisterly affection was always a cheering influence in the home, taken from them at this time. The funeral occurred Monday, August 12th. High Mass was celebrated in Clare after which her remains were followed by a large number of friends to their last resting place in the Lizard grave yard. The following lines are dedicated to her memory.

Thou art gone to the grave we no longer deplore thee,
Though sorrows and darknesss (sic) encompass the tomb;
The Saviour has passed through its portals before thee,
And the lamp of his love is they guide through the gloom.

Thou art gone to the grave we no longer behold thee,
Nor tread the rough path of the world by thy side;
But the wide arms of mercy are spread to enfold thee,
And sinners may hope since the sinless has died.

Thou art gone to the grave and its mansion forsaking,
Perhaps thy tired spirit in doubt lingered long,
But the sunshine of heaven beamed bright on thy waking,
And the song which tho heard'st was the seraphim's song.

Thou art gone to the grave but 'twer wrong to deplore thee,
When God was thy ransom, thy guardian, thy guide,
He gave thee and took thee and soon will restore thee,
Where death hath no sting since the Saviour hath died.