1916 – Mamie (Mary) Hallinan wanted her pocket money, her toys and her clothes, to be sent to an orphanage on her death.
She had been an invalid since “almost from infancy”, and must have known she would not make old bones. Her affliction has been lost to time.
She died peacefully at the age of 11 at the family residence, the Emerald Post office in Central Queensland.
This is how she was remembered.
“Mamie…had a remark ably intelligent mind, almost marvellous in one so young.
“She had a lovely disposition, and always delighted in doing little works of charity for those in need.
“She was a universal favourite with all the little folk, in whatever town she happened to live in and indeed grown-up people delighted to converse with her; she was quite a little apostle in her own way, and did much good.
The catholic advocate
Her family had strong Catholic links, her uncle was Townsville’s Monsignor Bourke. She was the only daughter of W and K Hallinan. It is unknown if she had any brothers.
Mamie’s body was taken to the Emerald Catholic church, which was decorated by the Presentation Nuns with white silk and white flowers.
“All the Convent school children formed a procession and marched to the church, where six of the bigger girls carried the coffin from the car to the High Altar.”
The church was crowded, and the Reverend gave a touching account of the dear little child’s patience, piety, and charity.
He said Emerald parishioners were blessed in having a little saint buried in their midst.
The little saint’s headstone now lies broken in the Emerald Cemetery.
Source: The Catholic Advocate, Thursday 24 February 1916, p23
Way to go Australia 