The Newtown bee., 1909-09-03
Bethel
MISS MARIA PARLoA,

of her death spread through this
 community. Miss Parloa had made
 all arrangements for an extended trip
 to Europe, and was to have sailed on
 the day of her death tor a stay abroad
 of at least one year and possibly two.
 She was taken i'll some four weeks
 ago, but 1t was hoped ner allment
 would yield to treatment in time for
 her to carry out her plans, About
 three weeks ago her condition became
 such that she decided to postpone the
 trip for a time. A week later an
 operation was deemed necessary and
 this was performed. That she was in
 dangerous condition was not gener-
 ally known until there came the sad
 announcement of her death. Coming
 to Bethel just six years ago as a
 stranger, Miss Parloa had won the
 esteem and respect of a large num-
 Der of its citizens. Although lead
 ing a busy and strenuous life in her
 literary work, she found time to lend
 herself to the betterment of the town
 to which she had come to make her
 home. Particularly interested in the schools and the young people, she had
 done much for the schools of the town and especially during the last year, when largely through her ef- forts the grounds about the several buildings have been made beautiful with shrubs and trees. It was she who was the chief instigator in start ing the Village Improvement Associ- ation, which has done and is still doing good work. AS member of the Current Events club she had been most active, and for two or three years past had arranged the civic course which formed a part of the seasons program. She also did much in making possible literary and other entertainment treats, which were en- joyed from time to time not only by the club members, but the people of the community. For thes latter, her home was always open. As a neighbor, she found frequent oppor- tunities for showing kindnesses. h. deed it seemed as if her chief thought was for others, and of her it may truly be said, "she lived to make the world brighter and better On Tues day afternoon, August "A, the funeral took place from her late home on East Street, the house being filled with the scores of friends who had grown to love and esteem her, not through her fame, for the respect shown her was not that often shown famous writers, but rather that felt for noble woman and a true friend. The services were conducted by Rev Thomas Henry Macbeth, rector of St Thomas church, the beautiful and impressive service of the Episcopal church being used. Two hymns were sung by Mrs Leroy Stone, Miss Anna !! L. Smith, Howard H. Woodman and John H. Baird. The first of these was with Me-" and the other Miss Parloa's favorite hymn, "Blest be the Tie which Binds" The re- mains rested in the parlor, but the casket which contained the form was almost lost to sight mid the flowers which covered it and were banked all around it. The flowers used were the beautiful garden blos- sons, such as Miss Parloa loved best, and the rooms were also filled with | these. The use of home flowers was in accordance with the wishes of the deceased. The members of the Cur rent Events club were all present, and as they looked their last on their ] friend, each dropped pink rose on the casket. Following the simple | service, the remains were taken to Boston on the 4.25 express. William V. Alexander, managing editor of the Ladies' Home Journal, who had long been an intimate friend of Miss Parloa, accompanied the remains. On Wednesday morning, August 25, brief services were held there and then the body was incinerated, by her expressed wish, after which the ashes were deposited in Forest Hill ceme- tery, beautiful burying ground near her former home and haunts in Bos- ton.
 Ex-Representative c. T. Hickok of East Street spent a few days in Hartford, last week, and while there attended the closing session of the for 1909.
 James E. Barnum of Chestnut St., c. F. Benedict of Highland Avenue, F. Bantle of Stony Hill and Harry Lavine of Maple Avenue spent Satur- day and Sunday at Fairfield Beach