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Gravestone for Mabel, a Victorian maid

  • Plaque Unveiling Ceremony

      14 January 2026

    I'm very pleased to invite everyone who donated to come March 15 for the plaque unveiling at Purewa cemetery!

    The team at Purewa have made this dream come true and designed a beautiful plaque for Mabel's memorial.

    We will have the unveiling at 4pm at Purewa cemetery, March 15 2026

    Please meet at the Purewa Administration Building before this time. We have the use of St John's Lounge afterwards for refreshments

    Thank you again so much to everyone that made this possible!

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  • Success!

      11 June 2025

    Good morning everyone.

    Purewa Cemetery has informed me this morning that they will kindly cover the remaining cost for the plaque and installation for Mabel's grave marker.

    Thank you so much to everyone who donated to help make this happen. I will keep everyone updated on the next steps and installation of the marker.

    Ngā mihi nui ki a koe,

    Ruth

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  • Caroline Lush's diary

      6 June 2025
    Main image

    A few weeks ago I visited Auckland Museum to see Caroline Lush's (Mabel's employer) diary from 1893. Caroline noted Mabel was hired only about a month before the fire and also noted Mabel's death - "poor Mabel Helander died." Mabel was buried by Rev. Lush, Caroline's brother-in-law, two days later. Caroline had a terrible year, losing her husband the same week as the fire while 6 months pregnant. She gave birth to her last child Ellen, known as Nell, several months later, and the diary pages were blank for several months after that... Caroline gave birth to Ellen at Ewelme Cottage in Parnell, probably not wanting to do so in the house her husband died. You can visit Ewelme as it is open today as a house museum.

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    • 11/06/2025 by Marin

      Congratulations Ruth for leading this worthwhile and wonderful project - and thanks to Purewa for recognising that worth and stepping up not only for Mabel but for heritage and our history.

      Marin