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The Kent and Sussex Courier and Southern Counties Herald Friday 12 Mar 1915
Page 7 Column 6
DEATH OF MRS. S. OATEN.
A WELL-KNOWN ST. PETER'S WORKER.
We regret to record the death of Mrs. Hannah Ellen OATEN, wife of Mr. S. OATEN, the popular Headmaster of St. Peter's Boys' School, Tunbridge Wells. The sad event occurred on Friday at their residence, Sunnyside, Forest-road. Mrs. OATEN, who was 54 years of age, had been ill for only a very short time, and her death constitutes a distinct loss to St. Peter's parish, in which she was for many years a valued worker. The deepest sympathy of numerous friends will be extended to the bereaved husband and family.
For over 20 years Mrs. OATEN acted as teacher in her husband's school, in which capacity she devoted much painstaking care to the training of the boys. By all of those who received their early instruction from her she is remembered with affection and respect. Her energies extended beyond the school in several directions. Her excellent work as a district visitor was always much appreciated, and several years ago she was instrumental in initiating the St. Peter's Woman's Sick Club, which has proved a great boon in the parish. Mrs. OATEN undertook the onerous duties of Hon. Secretary, and had the satisfaction of watching the movement develop in a very successful manner. In other ways far too numerous to mention she did much valuable work in the parish, and her kindly and able assistance will be very greatly missed. Mrs. OATEN leaves a widower, three sons (one of whom is a professor at Calcutta University), and two daughters.
THE FUNERAL.
The deep respect in which Mrs. OATEN was held in the parish was fully in evidence at the funeral, which took place on Wednesday morning. The first part of the service was conducted in St. Peter's Church by the Vicar (the Rev. J. L. .COBHAM), who was assisted by the Curate (the Rev. A. VISE). The church was filled with parishioners and other friends of the deceased lady, the teaching profession in the town and the scholars of St. Peter's Day Schools being well represented. The schools were closed for the day as a mark of respect.
Mr. E. F. HARDING, the Holy Trinity organist, was at the organ, and during the service he rendered “Blest are the departed” (Spohr), “But the Lord is Mindful,” and “O Rest in the Lord.” At the close of the service the Nune Dimittis was beautifully sung by a special choir, consisting of boys and girls from St. Peter's School.
The principal mourners were Mr. S. OATEN (widower), Mrs. R. CORLESS and Mrs. S. R. HICKMOTT (daughters), Mr. W. S. OATEN and Mr. F. C. OATEN (sons), Mr. and Mrs. LAY (father and mother), Mrs. DANIEL (sister), Mr. LAY (brother), Mrs. LAY (sister-in-law), Mr. CORLESS and Mr. S. R. HICKMOTT (sons-in-law), Mrs. BURFIELD and Nurse POOLE.
Among the large number also seen in the church were Constance Lady COOTE, Mrs. ATKINSON, Mr. A. E. HOBBS, Mr. and Mrs. A. P. AUBIN, Mr. C. F. CATT, Mr. J. BARTEN, Mr. Alexander I. KING, Mr. W. J. WHEATLEY, Mr. and Mrs. A. J. DENNINGTON, Miss ONGLEY, Miss TREGO, Mr. J. A. Punton SMITH, Mr. J. G. PASSINGHAM, Mr. and Mrs. T. S. THORNE, Mr. H. WEAIRE, Miss POWNALL, Mr. STUBBS, and boys from St. Peter's School, Mr. T. COURTNEY, Mr. and Mrs. C. M. MALPASS, teachers from both schools, Lieut. E. R. HICKMOTT, Mr. R. KEMBER, Mr. T. HUGGETT, Mr. A. TAYLOR, Mr. A. D. FOSTER, Mrs. WOOD, Mr. G. MILES, senr., and Mr. E. BURFIELD.
The interment took place at the Borough Cemetery in a grave beautifully lined with evergreens and white flowers. A large number of sympathisers had assembled. The wreaths were very numerous, and not the least touching were simple tributes from old scholars of St. Peter's School. Among the floral offerings, all of which bore affectionate inscriptions, were those containing the following names: Dad, Wal and Frank; Ted and Dorothy; Ethel and Dick; Syd and Nell; Constance Lady COOTE; Mr. and Mrs. Alfred TAYLOR; Auntie Tots and Boys; Mother and Dad; Auntie May; Uncle Ted and Ed.; Mrs. A. E. CATT; Miss SHEPPARD; Mrs. ROBERTS; Nurses CLARKE and STEVENSON; Mrs. TAYLOR; Mrs. BURFIELD and family; Mr. and Mrs. E. R. HICKMOTT; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. HOBBS; Mr. and Mrs. A. E. SMITH (Oakleigh); R. BASSETT (an old scholar), Mr. and Mrs. A. P. AUBIN and family; Mr. and Mrs. T. BROTHERHOOD and family; R. G. and E. CROFT; Mr. and Mrs. C. F. CATT; Mr. and Mrs. C. WOOD; Miss WILKINSON and Mrs. AUSTIN; Nelly; Mrs. ATKINSON; Clara; Mr. and Mrs. COSHAM; Mr. and Mrs J. SMITH; Nurse POOLE; Mr., and Mrs., and the Misses LANGTON; Miss NICHOLLS; M. S, R. and D. HARDCASTLE; the Sidesman of St. Peter's Church; Teachers of Tunbridge Wells; Teachers, Boys and Old Boys of St. Peter's Boys' School; Teachers and Girls of St. Peter's Infants' School; St. Peter's Girls' School; The Staff and Officers of the Equitable Friendly Society; Members of the Sick Benefit Club; the Holmesdale Lodge of Instructions; the Holmesdale Brethren; the Holmesdale Companions; the Hawkenbury Mother's Meeting, and the Building Directors (Perfect Thrift Society).
The funeral arrangements were carried out by Messrs. HICKMOTT and Son.