South Yorkshire Times, September 15th, 1933
Obituary Mrs. Hatherley
Victim Of Motor Accident in France
Swinton’s Loss
We regret to record the death of Mrs. Hatherley, wife of Dr. S. 0. Hatherley, Cliff Field House, Swinton, from injuries received in a motor-car accident in France on Sept. 4th. The accident, described in our last issue, occurred near Dole, in the Jura department of France, and Mrs. Hatherley died last Friday morning, shortly after midnight, in a surgical clinic in that town. With her in the car at the time of the accident were three of her daughters, Dr. Edith Hatherley (who was driving), Dr. Bessie Hatherley, and Mrs. A. J. Dignam. Her remaining daughter, Mrs. Leslie Muir Wilson, of London, happened to be touring in Austria at the time, and being apprised of the accident by radio, has since joined he stricken family at Dole. Mrs. Hatherley had her skull and upper jaw and one arm fractured, and though she lingered for several days she died without regaining consciousness. Dr. Edith Hatherley also suffered a fracture of the skull and had several ribs broken. She was critically ill for several days. but is now reported out of danger. Dr. Bessie Hatherley escaped with a broken ankle and Mrs. Dignam with shock and bruises. Dr. Hatherley, who was notified of the accident within an hour or two of its occurrence hurried to the scene, and reached Dole on the following day. He intends to remain there until Dr. Edith Hatherley can safely be brought home.
Hospital Services Recalled
Mrs. Hatherley was buried at Dole on Saturday. her death comes as a great shock to a large circle of friends In South Yorkshire, where she spent almost all her life, and had won the highest esteem and respect. She was devoted to her family and intensely proud of their gifts and achievements. She herself was deeply interested in the medical services and before, her marriage was a trained nurse. She was. indeed, the first matron of the Mexborough cottage hospital and held that position until her marriage. We have received from Mr. John Berry, 168, Furlong Road, Goldthorpe, who was a patient at the hospital in “Nurse Moore’s” time, a tribute which admirably sums up her character.
Mr. Berry, who is 74 years of age, writes: — I should like to express my sympathy with the family of Dr. S. 0. Hatherley in their loss of Mrs. Hatherley, a lady that I have loved for above forty years for her kindness to me when a patient under her in the hospital from the 3rd of Dec. 1890, till Dec. 24th, 1891, above twelve months. If it had not been for her I should only have had one leg now, but she begged Dr. Blythman not to have it taken off, as she would try her best to save it, and she did, thank God! She was a good nurse, but strict. She had not much spare time, I can tell you. After eight months in bed, I got up and went about on crutches, and I was her handy man. I used to go to the butcher to order the meat for her and the groceries and help the servant clean the spoons and forks and knives on a Friday night. It was like home to me; everyone was so kind. I may say I had only one night in the hospital alone. The next morning, they brought ten men from Denaby Main; the cage had gone back with them as they were leaving after working all night. What a bustle it was in those days! Ten “black” men to wash by herself, and yet she kept smiling all the time and cheering them up. And then, after all, this sad thing to come across her path after she has done so much for others! May her soul rest in peace, and God bless and comfort her husband and family.
Work For Swinton Clinic
Mrs. Hatherley continued her interest in the hospital as a member of the Ladies’ Committee which does such splendid work in organising support. Her husband was for many years the senior member of the honorary medical and surgical staff of the hospital. Latterly Mrs. Hatherley has devoted much time and attention to the maternity and child welfare centre at Swinton and has presided over the clinic committee. Her work in this connection is the subject of a tribute which we have received for publication from the committee and from Nurse Sanderson and Nurse Newbould: “The tragic death of Mrs. Hatherley has robbed the Swinton Child Welfare Centre of a most gracious president. Every Monday afternoon she was to be found there, chatting to the mothers and making them feel happy and comfortable, encouraging them in their interest in their children and giving advice. The fact that she was a trained nurse and a mother admirably fitted her for the position she has held since the formation of the clinic. Mrs. Hatherley was keenly interested in the social activities of the centre; the success and happiness of the outings and parties being due, chiefly. to her hard work and thought. Her death has created a vacancy it will he difficult to fill, and we have lost a great helper and friend. Our sympathy is extended to Dr Hatherley. and it is our earnest hope and prayer that his daughters will be speedily restored to health and strength.”