Mary Stanaway – Helensville Museum.

Mary Josephine was born on 24 October 1870 (birth certificate number 1870/40751) in Helensville in the southern Kaipara region.

Not much is known on her life only that it would have been similar to other at that time.

On 9 February 1896 Mary dies aged 25 years and 3 months. From her death certificate (Number 1896/2611) we see that she had been unwell for the last 11 years with phthisis pulmonalis (Tuberculosis – TB – otherwise known as consumption), it also lists her occupation as “Domestic Duties”

Mary’s Death Certificate – BMD.

She is buried in the Helensville Cemetery Block 1 Row B17, plot 9 (the same plot as her parents and some of her other siblings).

The Auckland Star had her death notice printed on 10 February 1896, which read;

Mary’s death notice – Auckland Star 10 February 1896.

“STANAWAY – On February 9, at her parents residence, Mary Josephine, eldest and dearly beloved daughter of Henry and Rose Stanaway of Helensville. Aged 25 years and 3 months. May her soul rest in peace.”