There
died at the family home at the corner of Chapel and Talbot streets
in the early hours of Monday, October 4, one of the finest women of
the older generation, in the person of Calista O'Carr, wife of Geo.
F. Counter, the well known Norfolk street jeweler, in the 77th year
of her age.
The late
Mrs. Counter had been confined to her bed for the past year and a
half, almost continually her life prolonged only through the unusual
faithfulness and skill of her daughter Marion, who has labored and
lived only for her mother's comfort.
Mrs. Counter had been able last
week to be up and sit on the verandah for a time, but she gradually
wore away until she was relieved by death, passing away quietly and
in peace.
The
deceased was the eldest daughter of the late Peter O'Carr, being
born on May 14, 1839, on the farm now occupied by Sylvanus Culver in
Townsend, and known as the "Model Farm."
She grew up and
received her education in Simcoe, and was married to Mr. Counter on
January 6, 1859. Before she was married and for about 35 years in
all, she was prominent in the choir of St. James Methodist church,
her husband has been the leader of more than 40 years.
The
late Mrs. Counter is survived by her husband, two sons, three
daughters and two sisters. Her sons are Will R. Counter of Clinton,
and G. Norman Counter, with his father at Simcoe. The daughters are
Misses Alma and Marion at home, and Mrs. G. F. Collins of Brantford.
Her sisters are Mrs. Eliza Broughton of Chicago and Miss Linnie
O'Carr, who has always made her home with Mrs. Counter.
The
funeral services were held at the family residence at 2:30 Wednesday
afternoon, and were conducted by Rev. Dr. Benson of St. James
Methodist church. Interment was made at Oakwood cemetery, the pallbearers
being Richard
Edmonds, Charles McCall, Henry
Johnson, H. S.
Macpherson, Wallace Anderson and
Dr. A. W.
Smith.
Although
the floral tributes to the memory of this most estimable lady were
many and beautiful, none carried a more pleasing sentiment that a
floral harp from "A few of the old choir."
J.
C. Norsworthy, a cousin of Mr. Counter, and father of the late Major
Norsworthy, who was killed at Langemarck, was here from Ingersoll to
attend the funeral. Mrs. W. O. Foster of St. Thomas, a cousin of the
deceased, was also here for the obsequies.
