The Manchester journal. [volume] (Manchester, Vt.) 1861-current, 1919-01-23
HELEN HARD SHAW
1858--19l9


is his fittest epitaph.' Expressions
such rs this were voiced universally
as the dreaded news of Mrs. Shaw's
Home going was carried from lip 10
lip. For the entire community appre-
ciated the real worth Of the quiet,
faithful, unobtrusive little woman
whose head and hands were always
busy in helpful ministry to others.
With home cares heavier than those Of
many who gave the world no such
splendid legacy of fine men and
women, she still found time for work
with the Eastern Star, the Church, the
w. c. T. IT,, and, as head of the Man
chester Center unit of the Red Cross
during its first yer, the phenomenal
amount Of work accomplished was due
in large measure to her tact, resource
fulness and interchangeable energy. She
claimed no power Of leadership but
everyone who worked with her on
garments for "our boys" was conscious
of the busy brain which directed her
own capable hands and planned the
work of others, while her dignity and
poise of manner seemed to demand
earnestness of effort and a ready re-
sponge TO every request.
But splendid and helpful as she was
in all outside philanthropic work, it
was in her home that this great heart
ed woman was at her best. She left
nothing undone to smooth the pathway
of her family. OF singularly bright
mind herself, she eagerly watched the
love Of knowledge growing in her
children, and no sacrifice was too
great for her to make in order that
fullest development Of mind and body
might be provided for them. Home
was the all-powerful magnet that
drew the large family together and
she was the focal point Of their joy.
She was never too tired to comfort
and sympathize and her bright eyes
glowed with delight over every sue
cess and triumph. Her life in her
home was one Of complete self out
pouring.
Mrs. Shaw was alive in every fibre
Of her being to all the wonderful
march Of progress of today and, while
not woman to express her opinions
freely, an occasional remark revealed
the trend of the clear thinking brain.
She was a woman Of answering
moral integrity and to know the right
was to do it.
Those who knew her in her early
life as a student at Burr and Burton
Seminary attest her brilliant mind;
those who saw her as with loving
smile she welcomed each little one
hat came into the home testify to a
strength Of maternal love and devotion
al too rare in these days; and those
who realized her anxiety last year
shen her husband was i'll, understood \
he devotion which led her to lay down |
III outside work TO free her hands for
to him.
Some of the remarks made concern
ny her this week may well be re-
corded
She was one Of the most Christian
have ever known"
1--WE cannot afford to lose such as
he. We will miss her everywhere"
She was thoroughly good
woman"
at seems too sad Her passing is a
Instinct loss to the entire community"
81 have never heard her criticized"
She moved among US modestly and
quietly but the influence Of her beanti-
al selfless life will live"
She doeth little kindnesses
That most leave undone OF despise,
And naught that sets one heart at
ease,
Or givcth happiness or peace,
lis low esteemed in her eyes.
And deeds of weekday holiness
Glide from her, noiselcss as The snow,
Tor hath she ever CHANGED TO know
That augh, were easier than to bless"
Mrs. Shaw left us in her prime. She I,
as born In Arlington, December 9th,
s5s, the daughter Of Seymour and