27 Apr 1899
Elizabeth Roy Olding, widow of the late Thomas Ballantyne, of Woodburne, whose earthly life closed on the morning of April 14th, deserves more than a passing notice. Although permitted to enter upon her eighty second year of life, she did not appear to grow old in the way we often see old age, retaining in a most remarkable degree the physical and mental powers so rarely seen in any person of her advanced years. In the varied walks of life her every day motto seemed to be “diligent in business, fervent in spirit”, striving to serve her Master. It was seldom that her presence was missed from the church services although residing some distance from the place of worship. In the community in which she lived her presence will be greatly missed as she was ever ready to aid and assist in any home where trouble and sorrow entered, and her natural adaptability combined with matured experience made her advice and assistance very acceptable. She was married in 1839, had nine of a family, all of whom survive her. Two daughters, Mrs. McDonald and Mrs. Veno of Everett, Mass., were able to respond in person to the message, “Mother is seriously ill,” and assist the other dutiful children in doing all that affection and skill could devise to smooth the onward journey to the tomb. The funeral took place on the 16th, and notwithstanding the condition of the roads, people came from far and near to show their last token of respect to the memory of a woman who left friends, many,foes none,and an example of industry, economy and prudence well worthy of imitations.