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Show 281 that she continued to provide needed financial assistance to her children, as her means permitted, all through her long life. No wonder, as she neared the end of her life, she could say: After many years I marvel! And I marvel more and more how, for more than fifty years, I performed the duties of home-maker and all it means of financial sustenance, of mental, moral and physical demands.9 In her characteristically selfless way, she is impelled to say: Reverently unto God I give my gratitude for the successful practice of medicine for the span of more than fifty years. For more than six thousand times have I felt the exquisite bliss of seeing the mother's smile when for the first time she clasped her treasure in her arms.10 Three years and three weeks prior to Ellis's passing, 86-year-old Julina Lamson Smith closed her eyes in death. Her obituary appeared on the page opposite the account of Ellis's 89th birthday celebration at the Lion House. This death is worth noting for, as the two women shared the same timeline, lived in the same community, and held similar religious convictions, they also had a common perception of woman's role. While the following words are attributed to Sister Smith, they might just as well have come from Ellis's own lips: A woman who would make a success of her life must endeavor to make her home an altar of peace, love and companionship. Her husband should rest confident in her gentle solicitude, and her children trust in her unfailing wisdom. Such an ideal does not imply wealth, education nor brilliant gifts. Faith, affection, fidelity, industry, and above all, integrity, constitute the requirements for such a happy woman's life and success."11 Professionally, too, these women were similar, for Julina Smith "was a successful obstetrician and many mothers bless her for her able and systematic help." |
