Rediscovering Ginninderra:
Rose Preece
Born: 1849; Died: 1934; Married: McLaughlan
Obituary - Mrs Hugh Preece
'The death occurred early yesterday morning of Mrs. Hugh Preece, at the residence of her daughter, Mrs. Boyd, in Pritchard Street, at the venerable age of 85 years. Until her health failed about 12 months ago, since when she was practically an invalid, deceased was a remarkably active and well preserved woman. She was born at 'The Grant,' Ginninderra, which is now in the Federal capital and where her people were farming in the early days. When single she did domestic work and she left the property of 'Charnwood', belonging to the Halls, to be married in Canberra. She was formerly Miss Rose McLaughlin.
After her marriage she lived at Cobar, Murrumbateman and Jeir. for the last 14 years she had lived in Yass. The late Mrs. Preeces was a nurse of 40 years standing. She specialised in maternity cases and was held in high regard by the late Drs. Thane, Colquhoun and English. One of her proud possessions was a fine reference from Dr. Thane. She practised her profession up to 1919.
Deceased comes from a long-lived family. Her mother died at the age of 96 at Parramatta. She is survived by her husband, Mr. Hugh Preece, who will be 86 next October, and who is regarded as one of th finest old men living in Yass today. In his heyday he was regarded as the best horseman in these parts. About three years ago he rode a pony from Yass to Grenfell in a jockey's saddle. The late Mrs. Preece was the mother of fourteen children, five of whom survive. Among the children who predeceased her was Pte. Ernest Preece, who was killed in action in the Great War.
Four daughters and one son survive. They are Mrs. W. Burgess (Manton), Mrs. James White (Cowra), Mrs. L. Boyd (Yass), Mrs. V. G. Smith, Brundah North (Grenfell), and Mr. Jack Preece (Yass). One brother, John McLaughlin, of Uriarra, and one sister, Mrs. Jim Lamb, of Parramatta, also survive. The late Mrs. Preece was a great great grandmother. Mr. M. Boyd, of the 'Tribune-Courier' staff, is a grandson. The late Mrs. Preece was a fine type of woman, who came from hardy stock. She lived a long and useful life and only those whom she attended realise her worth as a nurse of 40 years standing and one who was held in the highest regard by those competent to judge.
The best tribute to deceased's qualifications as a nurse is the following reference signed on May 13, 1903 at 'Atherfield,' Yass, by the late Dr. P. J. Thane, L.R.C.P.(London), M.R.C.S. (Eng.). L.S.A. (Lon.): "Mrs. Preece, of Yass, has nursed midwifery cases for me and always given me satisfaction. I have found her a very careful, trustworthy and obedient nurse and in my experience I have found her very reliable." The funeral, which was conducted by Mr. W. H. Mcintosh, left St. Augustine's Church, for the Roman Catholic cemetery, at 3 o'clock this afternoon'.
[Yass Tribune-Courier, Thursday 19 July 1934, p. 2]