Mary Riddell
Mary Currie (nee Riddell) (1848 - 15 April 1929) was a Scot who emigrated to Almonte, Ontario in 1883.
Early life
Riddell was born in Selkirk, Scotland. She married a 19-year-old John Currie at age 22 in that city in 1865.
Life in Canada
In 1883, at age 36, she emigrated to Almonte, Ontario, where she spent the rest of her life.
Her husband died of tetanus in June 1911.
Death
In April 1924, she was ill enough that her friends thought to put a listing in the local newspaper wishing her well.
The many friends of Mrs. John Currie are sorry to learn that she is not very well at time of writing. We all hope for her speedy recovery.
— The Almonte Gazette, 18 April 1924
Five years minus three days after that expression of goodwill, she died.
Obituary
Mrs. John Currie a well known lady of Almonte, passed away on Monday, after an illness of nine weeks duration. She was 85 years of age.
Deceased's maiden name was Mary Riddell. Born in Selkirk, Scotland, she married Mr. John Currie in that town about 65 years ago.
Mr. and Mrs. Currie and family came to Canada about 45 years ago and took up residence in Almonte. Mr. Currie was employed by the Rosamond Woolen Company until his demise 18 years ago.
She leaves to mourn her loss two sons, Walter, of Worcester, Mass.; Alex, of North Transcona, Man.; and four daughters, Tena, Mrs. Edward LeMaistre; Mary, Mrs. R.J. Neill; Jessie, Mrs. Alex Houston, and Miss Grace Currie, all of Almonte. One son John died about 30 years ago. She had 22 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren.
Mrs. Currie was a devout member of Bethany United Church. Although of a very quiet disposition she had a great many friends.
The funeral was held on Wednesday, from the home of her son-in-law, Mr. Edward LeMaistre. The service was conducted by Rev. J.R. MacCrimmon and during the service, Mr. Ernest Jordan rendered a solo "Sometime We'll Understand."
The pallbearers were Messrs. Jas.Little, Alexander McDonald, John Anderson, Fred Blake, Dr. W. C. Young and Wm. Chochrane.
Many floral tributes were received: Pillow, family; wreath, grandchildren; spray, son Walter Currie; Grandchildren and great grandchildren; spray, L.O.B.A. No. 177. Almonte; spray. Mr. and Mrs. Alex McDonald; spray. Mr. and Mrs. John Sugrue, Ottawa; spray. Miss Merle Durant, Smiths Falls.
Friends from a distance attending the funeral were: Mr. and Mrs. John Borthwick, Peth; Mr. and Mrs. John Rutherford, Peth; Mr. and Mrs. John Sugrue, Ottawa; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. LeMaistre and Mr. Edward LeMaistre Jr., of Smiths Falls.
Internment was made at the Auld Kirk Cemetery.
— The Almonte Gazette, 19 April 1929
Note that "spray" refers to a casket spray, a type of flower arrangement placed over the coffin of the deceased.
Sources
The Almonte Gazette, 18 April 1924 [1]
The Almonte Gazette, 19 April 1929 [2]