Michael Leo McDermott (1889-1904)

MCDERMOTT

Posted By: Eileen Reed (email)
Date: 2/10/2024 at 13:06:56

April 8, 1889 --- March 18, 1904

The Sacred Heart schools tender warmest sympathy to Catherine and Terence McDermott, of the high school, in the loss of their dear brother Leo, of the Second Academic class.

The members of the altar boys’ society deeply regret the death of one of their number, Leo McDermott. The beautiful floral pillow bearing the word “acolyte” was the altar boys’ tribute to his memory.

Times Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
March 22, 1904

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Obituary

In Memorium.

It is with a deep sense of the loss that is ours that we pen these lines announcing the death, on March 18, of Leo McDermott at the family home on Fifth street.

Leo was born in this city about fifteen years ago. He attended the city school until he had completed Sixth-grade work and came to the Sacred Heart school when it was opened in the basement of the church in September, 1901. In that and the following year he prepared himself for high school work, and with what success, was shown by his excellent report received, the result of the county examination in June last. In the fall he entered high school, where he worked well with a view to preparing himself for a college course. But such was not to be for him. Early in December he had a slight indisposition, which finally developed into heart trouble, terminating in death last Friday morning.

The funeral was held Sunday from Sacred Heart church, where a Mass of Requiem was celebrated by Rev. Augustine Bumholt, the pallbearers and acolytes on the occasion being classmates and friends among the high school boys of Sacred Heart school.

The friendships that one forms at school are, it is said, among the closest in life, and surely if any one was gifted with the art of winning friends and keeping them, this lovable and loving son of the Sacred Heart school possessed that gift. No better testimony to his sterling worth can be asked than that his going has bereft us of a friend who had acquired the name of being an upright, christian boy.

On looking back and recalling our years together with him, it occurs that the most characteristic trait of Leo McDermott during that period was his intense love of duty. Nowhere was this more clearly shown than in assisting in the sanctuary, fulfilling his position of acolyte.

His friends—who could count them? There was not one in home or school who did not share in that friendship and was glad of it. Genial, his kindly manner attracted; happy always, it was a real pleasure to be in his company; magnanimous, no one knew better how to forgive; generous, there was not a petty trait in him.

And so he has gone from us, the genial, honest, generous-hearted Leo. Little did we think, when he came back at Christmas to take his part in the drama, that a few months would see the end.

To those whose grief is most poignant to his kind, good father whose sorrow none save God can measure, to his grief stricken brothers and sisters and to those bound to him by kindred ties, we, in our humble way, proffer heartfelt sympathy, praying that God, who does all things for the best, may, in giving our friend eternal rest, console them in this hour of their affliction, when consolation is most needed.

We bid him farewell in sorrow. We, who admired him and loved him for his manly traits of character, have lost a dear friend, and the Sacred Heart school a devoted pupil. R. I. P.

Time Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
March 23, 1904

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Again the McDermott home is stricken by the hand of Death. Friday morning Leo, one of the younger members of the family, was called to meet his mother, who had passed to the Great Beyond a few months ago. His death came as a surprise to the entire community. The cause of his death was due to an attack of pneumonia which left his heart in a weakened condition.

The funeral was held Sunday morning at the Sacred Heart church and interment were made in the family lot in Gethsemane cemetery.

Times Gazette --- Eagle Grove, Iowa
March 25, 1904