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
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.
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
