Agnes E. (Ennis) Fitzmaurice (1844-1906)

ENNIS, FITZMAURICE, RIDDLE, WILSON, WOOD, WORTHINGTON

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:54

February 10, 1844 --- January 8, 1906

Death of Mrs. Fitzmaurice

The demise of Mrs. Agnes E. Fitzmaurice occurred at the family residence in South Lincoln street Monday Morning, January 8, 1906, after a lingering Illness extending over a period of several years. At the time of her death her husband and daughter Mrs. Gertie Wood, were at her bedside.

The family have the sympathy of all in their hour of bereavement. The funeral will be held on Wednesday at the Congregational church at 10 o'clock and burial will be made in the Rose Hill cemetery. Revs. York and Zellhoefer will have charge of the services.

Time Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 8, 1906

FITZMAURICE HOME IN MOUNING

Wife and Mother lays down Life's Cares and Suffering – Is now at Rest –Funeral Wednesday

Mrs. J. Fitzmaurice died at her home in this city Monday morning, January 8th at 7:30. This was the resolution of a long struggle of years duration with disease and pain. She has been to a large degree an invalid for nearly 30 years. In 1877 she lost two little girls from the ravages of the dread diphtheria and in the mother’s self-forgetting devotion contracted the disease herself and has not known good health from the hour of that fateful tragedy. Only to naturally strong vitality, hopeful and determined will is due the many years she has been spared to bless her home, and promote charity and good cheer among friends and neighbors. At an early date in life she identified herself with the First Baptist church of Belvidere, Ill., and remained loyal to and died triumphant in the hope of a consistent Christian.

In this city the deceased was a member of the order of Rebekahs and also of the patriotic and charitable order of the W. R. C. When health permitted she was active and devoted to their work, attending their meetings, and bringing to their councils the help of a strong personality and the wise suggestions of unusual mentality.

She was born in Michigan, Feb. 10, 1844, and was married to Mr. Fitzmaurice at Belvidere, Ill., May 1st, 1870 and their bridal tour was to the oil fields of Pennsylvania where their three girls were born and where two were buried, one aged five and the other six years. The surviving and youngest daughter is Mrs. Gertrude Wood of New York.

In 1891 Mr. and Mrs. Fitzmaurice and daughter came to Eagle Grove from Pennsylvania. In all the developments of this city they have been determining factors, generous helpers and liberal contributors in the building of all the churches and in the evolution of the city’s social and business progress.

Her last days were days of indescribable suffering but hope of life was so strong the minutest cares of the home and the interests of its beloved ones busied her mind and filled her heart. The arrangements of the funeral were suggested by her in the last days when the struggle for life finally became of conscious unavail.

The floral tributes were profuse and beautiful, in which the Rebekah and W. R. C. lodges, stockholders of the Merchants National bank, and other friends were contributors and were displayed only in the house.

The funeral was held Wednesday morning at the Congregational church after a prayer service at the home at 9:30. The sermon was by Rev. A. C. Zellhoefer and the interment was in Rose Hill cemetery.

Preceding the sermon Mr. Zellhoefer read the following letter from Rev. Mr. York who had been requested to assist in the services.

" I greatly regret my inability to be present with you today that I might "weep with those that weep “. I visited Mrs. Fitzmaurice occasionally during the summer and autumn and the impression that I gained was that she possessed naturally sterling traits of character which with more vigorous bodily health would have made her a very useful woman. And these natural traits were evidently purified by grace. At first for some time her faith seemed weakened and her hope bedimmed, but this I think was the result of her physical suffering. Later the clouds cleared away and she looked with hopefulness into the future. Her severe and protracted suffering was borne with exemplary patience, and I am persuaded that for her " to die is gain". With warm sympathy for the bereaved I am. Your brother in Christ, FRED E. YORK."

Among those present at the funeral from abroad were Mr. and Mrs. Worthington, Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Ennis of Webster City, Mrs. Riddell of Sheldon, Mrs. G. E. Wilson and daughter of Clinton and Mrs. Devaraux of Humboldt. Mr. Ennis and Mrs. Worthington were brother and sister of the deceased, and Mrs. Wilson and Mrs. Riddell are sisters of Mr. Fitzmaurice.

The entire city feels a personal loss in the death of Mrs. Fitzmaurice and their heartfelt sympathy for the family and friends have found fitting expression in helpful service and thoughtful attentions in the home, where grief centers, and where the sympathy brings greatest solace.

The pall bearers were M. Armbruster, Wm. Boylson, J. L. Nott, L. J. Clarke, C. Christenson and J. S. Fort. A large procession accompanied the remains to the cemetery, and all business houses were closed during the funeral hours.

Eagle Grove Eagle --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
January 11, 1906
.