1887 - Hastings and St Leonards Observer
DEATH OF MISS STONESTREET - THE FUNERAL (YESTERDAY). It is with great regret that we record the death on Sunday last, of Miss Georgina Mary Rebecca Stonestreet, elder daughter of the late George Stonestreet, Canon of Lincoln.
The deceased lady was well-known in St. Leonards, but since her younger sister's death in 1882, lived a more retired life than formerly. Miss Stonestreet till recently, lived in the building of the East Sussex Club, and then removed to No. 20, Pevensey-road. "She was accustomed to go abroad annually for the benefit of her health, which was not strong, and was sojourning for this purpose in Zurich, she first of all seemed to rally, eventually died, as we have said, on Sunday at the age of 66. The body was brought home and the funeral took place yesterday.
The music was superintended Mr. W. Goss Custard, and Master H. Goss presided at the organ. The Rev. Cuthbert, nephew of the deceased, read the lessons………….
Miss Stonestreet was well-known for her many benefactions to the poor, in whose welfare she was very interested, for whom she was never tired of working. In her death, too, the congregation Christ Church has sustained a loss which its members will find it difficult to repair. She was a large subscriber to the funds of the sacred edifice, at which she attended regularly in the town. ………. The car was of the new fashion, plate-glass sides, so that the coffin and floral displays were plainly visible within. It was drawn by four horses, and followed by ten carriages. Parts of the service were choral, and the Church Choristers accompanied the cortege to the Cemetery, where they sang as the procession passed the grave. Before the Benediction they also sang "Now the labourer's task is o’er”. he little choir boys threw some choice flowers amongst others from numerous friends, into the vault, as last token of remembrance.
e have already remarked that Miss Stonestreet had contributed largely to the church, but, unlike her younger sister, performed no work in a connection with the Sunday school, though she was interested in the welfare of the whole parish very deeply neices. We cannot conclude better than by the words of the Rev. E. Bray, referring her sister's death five years ago :—" The task however, was done, and hers was really the best labour. It was sinful to repine, although natural tears must be shed. She was but in God’s keeping, and this God had dealt with her, for good."
