The Louisiana Democrat. [volume] (Alexandria, La.) 1845-1918, 1883-08-22
DIED:

In Alexandria, on Sunday, August 10,
1888, Mrs. ELIZABETH P. HELM,
widow of the late Thos. b. Helm, aged
~ years.
Again has death visited our garden
One by one have they been taken from
us until we almost feel that we have no
interest in what is lett. The cold hand
was extended and would not be satisfied
without one of our plants, and although
we had none to give away, because by
association they had all become go dear
yet. if we had had our choice we
would have said, elf you are compelled
to have Que of our treasures at least
spare us this sweet, precious gift" But
even in this we were not consulted, and
the dreaded visitor departed from our
midst and in his embrace Went also as
devout christian as ever repeated the
Apostolic Greed, as true an individual
as ever pledged friendship and as noble
a woman as ever blessed mankind. In
her presence all was sunshine. She
was always ready with an apology for
everybody's faults and with praises for
all their virtues. She was married to
Mr.. Thos. B. Helm, of this Parish, in
October, 1878, and in less than two
years was LETT widow. During his
long ILLNESS and until the last moment,
size Nas his ministering sngel. Her un-
firing energy, her gentle touch and
words Of sympathy and affection never
failed to bring to the eye Of the sick a
look of love, and to the lips words OF
gratitude. Filial love, thot never fail
ing evidence Of nobility of character,
was in this instance strongly marked.
From earliest infancy to the day OF her
death, in word, In thought and in &C
ton she loved, honored and obeyed her
parents. Although her father was Civ
en- her constant and tender affection,
and her brothers and sisters were ear
nestly and deeply loved, yet, her mo-
Their, who hiss been in ill-health for
some years, was the main object around
which the wealth of her affection chung.
Such love made wealth desirable and
yet robbed poverty Of all its sting;-it
exalted humanity and scattered to the
winds the doctrine that there was no
such thing as unselfish love in this
world. 1t invigorated the disheartened
and it softened the cruel it gave hope
to the christian and despair to the nom
believer; it made life beautiful and
death cruel.
Although she was kind to all she was
intimately friendly with but few, but
when she formed her friendships she
was true even unto death Her time,
her labor and her sympathy were all
given to the sick in her neighborhoo
and the only complaint that was ever
heaod from her was that she could not
do more for the distressed. She was a
member of the Episcopal Church, and
since she has lived in Alexandria has
been the organist of St. James Church,
OF which she was Jealous and devout
member. That sweet voice has ceased
on earth to sing and that loving heart
has been one more voice added to the
char above in the anthems of praise tt
the Great King and Ruler of all things
Some one else may take her place il
the Church, but in the hearts of hel
family and friends there will be still
vacancy that cannot be filed. How sh,
was by them loved and how she is nov
mourned, no one can ever tell or know
Our hearts are broken-we can hardl,
realize that we are never again to hea
heo talk, laugh or sing this side tn
grave. All if we could have her bacl
just long enough to tell her how W,
loved her and how we will miss her
| sweep not for those
Who sink WITHIN the arms of Death
Ere yet the chilling wintry breath
Of sorrow DER them blows;
But weep for them who here remain
The mournful heritors of pain,
Condemned to see each bright JOY fade
And mark grief's melancholy shade
Flung DER Hopes fairest rose.'
*****