The Late Mrs. S. M. Crossley: Death at Burton Pynsent: Memorial Service at Curry Rivel: Friends from many parts of Somerset and Dorset attended a memorial service at Curry Rivel Parish Church, on Monday, to Mrs. Sarah Maude Crossley, widow of Mr. Clement Crossley and daughter of the late Sir Morton Peto, Bart., who passed peacefully away at her home, Burton Pynsent, the previous Wednesday, at the great age of 91. Mrs. Crossley, who was a sister of the late Sir Henry Peto, Bart., of Cheddington Court, who died earlier this year, had lived at Burton Pynsent for over 30 years, having come there following the death of her husband. She took a keen interest in all the affairs of the parish and particularly the church, at which she was regular worshipper. She was a member of the Parochial Church Council for many years, retiring about two or three years ago and also played a leading part in the affairs of the Mothers’ Union in that Deanery. For number of years Mrs. Crossley was also a member of the local Nursing Association. Her particular interest, however, was in missionary work, and for several years she had granted permission for missionary meetings, especially in connection with the Caravan Mission to Canada to be held at her house, which was also used as a retreat by many a missionary paying a return visit to his homeland. A lover of art and literature, Mrs. Crossley was also a great friend to the poor and in her earlier years was responsible for the foundation of St. Helen’s Home in the East End of London, and also bestowed many acts of kindness on the people of Stratford E. Before coming to Burton Pynsent, she had lived at Landford House, Salisbury, and also at Corfe Castle. In politics Mrs. Crossley was a staunch Conservative and took an active part in the campaigns of her brother, Sir Basil Peto, a former M.P. for the Barnstaple Division. Her three children, two sons and one daughter, all predeceased her. … (description of service and list of mourners) …
[see similar: Western Daily Press: Wednesday 19th October 1938]
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