Power, Mary

    Another of the pioneers of Niles, Mrs. Mary Power, had passed beyond beyond. Her death was unexpected and those nearest her were not prepared for the shock. Her demise has cast a deep shadow of sadness over host of friends, and they were legion, and leaves those to whom she had administered in other times stricken with grief.
    A true Christian spirit, a noble woman, one loved by all who knew her, and a devoted self-sacrificing mother has gone.  The place which she filled will ever be vacant, but the lesson of her life remains and it will always be a help to those who are now bowed down with sorrow.  The wounds may heal in a measure, but she has departed.  Yet, in this time of bereavement, it is surely a comfort to those left behind to think of her many, many good deeds and to know that a useful life has been spent.
    Mrs. Power was a life long member of the Presbyterian church and  before failing health prohibited was an active worker, but it was outside of the church that the beautiful qualities of her life were best exemplified.  In her younger years whatever she could do good, wherever help was needed, there she was wont to be and many a home has been comforted in time of sorrow by her bright presence and willing hands.  She was ever ready to sacrifice herself physically to others and in so doing her true Christian spirit was given emphasis. It pleased her to make others happy and in failing health her thoughts seemed to be for those who would be left.  A noble spirit has gone and while her passing casts a shadow of gloom, the fact that she lived and made so much of the living cannot fail to inspire others to better things.
    Words fail to express the sorrow of those bereaved, sympathy ever falls far short, but when a life that has been filled with usefulness goes out, the record awakens the realization that living is good if we make it so.  That is what Mrs. Power did. She was one of God's noblewomen and left the world better for her having lived and been a part of it.
    Mrs. Power became ill about 1:30 o'clock this moring and died an hour later.  Deceased was 70 years of age. (Continued on page 4)  She was born at St. Davids, Canada, but had resided in Niles for the past 55 years.  Left to mourn her loss are three sons, one daughter, and two sisters, Robert, of Paris, Ill.; Edward and Horace, of this city, and Mrs. James Smith, of South Bend.  The sisters are Mrs. William McBride and Mrs. Margaret Park, also of Niles.  Funeral will be held from the residence Saturday afternoon at 2:30 o'clock, Rev. W.H. Phelps officiating.

(Source: Niles Daily Star, Thursday, October 4, 1917, page 1, col. 5, continued on page 4, col. 4, microfilm Niles District Library)