Posted on: PaloAlto County Obituaries Reply Here: http://cgi.rootsweb.com/~genbbs/genbbs.cgi/USA/Ia/PaloAltoObits/641 Surname: Nolan, Shea, O'Connor, Burns, Fleming, Conway, Ayers ------------------------- Emmetsburg Democrat, Wednesday, October 28, 1925 Mrs. M. J. Nolan, A Pioneer, Dies She Came To Our Country In 1873. Was Widely Known. Mrs. M. J. Nolan, whose illness was mentioned some time ago in the Democrat, passed away at her home in this city last Friday evening. She had been ill for a couple of years, but her condition was not particularly serious until a short time ago. The death of her brother, Dennis Shea, weighed heavily on her mind and added to her worries in her declining hours. The funeral was held Monday forenoon. The services were conducted in St. Thomas church, Father O'Brien officiating. There was a large attendance of relatives and friends, particulary our pioneer citizens, who knew the family in early days. The burial was in St. John's cemetery. The pall bearers were Thomas O'Connor, Daniel Burns, M. J. Fleming, Chas. Nolan, Michael Fleming and James Conway. Johanna Shea was born at Waterloo, Wisconsin in June 1858. Her age was 67. The family came to Mason City at an early date and to Emmetsburg in 1873. Miss Shea was married in this city on October 26, 1880 to M. J. Nolan. Mr. and Mrs. Nolan subsequently resided in this locality with the exception of a short time that they lived at Sioux City. Mrs. Nolan is survived by her husband and her step-daughter, Mrs. H. R. Ayers of Osgood. Her death is also mourned by Winfield, Roland and Phyllis Shea of Sioux City, who made their home with Mr. and Mrs. Nolan for a number of years when they were quite young. There are three brothers - Patrick Shea of Crandon, Wisconsin, and William and James Shea of Sioux City. Mrs. Nolan was a kind, benevolent Christian woman. Her good nature is well remembered by pioneer settlers who often visited at her home and were generous sharers in her warm hospitality to those who called. She was frugal and careful and was a considerate and successful home maker. Her real worth as a member of the community is best shown by the many sacrifices she made in the rearing of the two boys and two girls who were not her own children. She gave them loving care and attention and they grew up obedient and respected men and women. Through life they will have reason to bless her memory for all that she did to make them creditable members of society. Mrs. Nolan's death will be widely and sincerely mourned. Mr. Nolan and the young men and women who were so long members of her household have the true sympathy of hosts of friends in their bereavement.