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Laura Charlotte Souch (1857 ~ 1951)

4.4.5. Fifth child of Dorothy Elford and William Souch, Laura Charlotte Souch, was born October 4, 1857, in Enniskillen, Darlington Twp., Durham Co., Ontario.

She married John Wesley Pye, son of James Pye and Sarah McKinley, May 23, 1883, in Enniskillen, Ontario and had four children:

(4.4.5.1) Addie May (1884 ~ 1942)
(4.4.5.2) Florence Helena (1887 ~ 1963)
(4.4.5.3) Winnifred Irene (1889 ~ 1891)
(4.4.5.4) Howard James (1891 ~ 1968)

Laura C. Souch Pye died February 8, 1951, aged 93 years, in Toronto, Ontario and John W. Pye died October 9, 1925, aged 70 years in Hampton, Ontario and are interred at Hampton Union Cemetery.

----- MARRIAGE -----

Souch—Pye

On May 23, 1883, at the residence of the bride’s father, Fair View Farm, by Rev. G. W. Stevenson, Mr. John Pye, eldest son of James Pye, Esq., and Miss Laura Souch, daughter of William Souch, Esq., all of Darlington. Bowmanville Statesman, June 1, 1883.

----- OBITUARIES -----

Laura C. Souch Pye

October 4, 1857 ~ February 8, 1951

Death has called one of Darlington’s oldest and most respected citizens in the person of Laura Pye of Enniskillen, who died February 8, 1951, at the home of her daughter, Mrs. J. A. Stainton of Toronto.

Mrs. Pye was the daughter of the late William Souch and Dorothy Elford and was born near Enniskillen on the Souch homestead 93 years ago. In her early 20s she was married to John Pye and they took up farming at Baker’s School. While her family were still small children her husband was afflicted with paralysis which forced them to give up farming and they took up residence in Enniskillen.

Her life has not been an easy one, with the tremendous care of an invalid husband, borne with courage, patience and fortitude, she and her family carried on. Mrs. Pye spent the last 14 years of her life at the home of her daughter Florence and son-in-law, Albert Stainton where she received loving and tender care, the latter nine years being confined to her bed.

Mrs. Pye was of a quiet, unassuming nature, her main interest being in her home, where she was always ready to help anyone who passed her way, and many are the persons who have enjoyed the humble hospitality of her home. She was a staunch Christian character, a member of the Enniskillen Church, a life member of the Woman’s Missionary Society, and always attended services when health permitted.

She is survived by one daughter, Florence (Mrs. Albert Stainton), Toronto, and Howard at home; one brother, Cephus W. Souch of Hampton; also one grandson, Clifford, and two great-grandchildren. Two children predeceased her, Winnifred and Addie (Mrs. Herb Johnson).

The funeral was held on February 10th from the Enniskillen United Church. Rev. R. M. Seymour was in charge of the service, Mrs. Seymour presided at the organ, and the choir was in attendance.

The beautiful flowers from friends and relatives testified to the respect with which Mrs. Pye was held. Floral tokens were received from Enniskillen Church, Bible Class, W.M.S., Women’s Association and the Sunday School, and a beautiful basket of flowers from her neighbours on Russett Ave., Toronto, where she lived the latter part of her life.

Pallbearers were Messrs. Will Moore, Howard Stevens, Merwin Hobbs, of Enniskillen, and Clifford Stainton of Toronto. Interment took place in Hampton Cemetery. Bowmanville Statesman, Mar. 1, 1951.

John W. Pye

July 29, 1855 ~ October 9, 1925

One of God’s noble men whom Enniskillen was honored to number among its citizens and Methodism to number among its members, passed on into life’s larger meanings on October 9, 1925, in the person of Mr. John Wesley Pye.

Mr. Pye was the son of the late Mr. and Mrs. James Pye and was born July 29, 1855. He was married to Laura Charlotte Souch, Darlington, in the year 1883, and for many years lived on the Pye farm near Bakers’ school. Failing in health, he moved to Enniskillen where he spent his remaining years. For over thirty years he had been an invalid, but through the mercy of God and tender care, he retained sufficient health to enjoy his home and loves ones and the companionship of a large circle of friends. For years he could have said “To depart and be with Christ would be better”, but he was willing to remain for the duty here. Patient suffering and endurance were evidence of Mr. Pye’s strong Christian character. During these years of helplessness his faith has never been dimmed; his patience has always been equal to his need, and his testimony has ever witnessed to the unfailing presence of his heavenly Father, and his joy in uttermost salvation through Jesus Christ.

There have been many in the community, who as they have passed to worship in God’s House, have seen reflected from his face at the window, next door, a soul, triumphant in God’s great love.

The passing of Mr. Pye brings that sense of loss which one feels can never be repaid, but his mantle is falling upon others, and somehow the spirit of his noble life will abide. “He has fought a good fight, he has finished his course; he has kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for him a crown of righteousness which the Lord, the righteous Judge, shall give him at that day”.

Multitudes of friends join in testimony of their appreciation of his beautiful Christian life and in assurance of deepest sympathy with the sorrowing widow and two daughters, Mrs. Albert Stainton and Mrs. Herbert Johnston, both of Toronto, and Howard at home.

Many friends and relatives gathered at the funeral which took place from the Union Church, to pay a tribute of respect to one who had lived and served so well. Rev. E. A. Belknap conducted the service, assisted by the choir.

Interment took place in Hampton Cemetery.

The floral tributes were beautiful and included wreaths form the Family; Mr. and Mrs. C. W. Souch and Miss Eva Souch, Hampton; Mr. and Mrs. Harry Pye and Miss Greta Oke, Bowmanville; Mr. and Mrs. James Curtis and Mr. and Mrs. Howard E. Cole, Hampton; Basket of roses from Mr. and Mrs. G. Callan and Mr. and Mrs. F. Miles and Mr. W. G. Robins, Bowmanville; the Quick Family, Bowmanville; Mr. and Mrs. Fred W. Bowen, Newcastle; Union Church, Enniskillen; Dr. and Mrs. H. Ferguson and Young People’s League.

Among those present from a distance were: Mr. and Mrs. Albert Stainton and Clifford and Mr. and Mrs. Herbert Johnston, Toronto; Miss Eva Souch, Mr. and Mrs. George Callan, Mr. Harry Pye, Bowmanville; Mrs. G. Hood and Cory, Scugog Island; Mr. and Mrs. Wilton McKinley and daughter, Port Perry; Mr. and Mrs. Oldfield, Mr. and Mrs. F. Miles, Dr. and Mrs. L. B. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Howard Johnston, Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Stevenson, Oshawa; Mr. Finley Pye, Toronto; Mr. and Mrs. Albert J. Cole and Miss Annie Allin, Bowmanville; Mrs. Gow, Cowanville. Bowmanville Statesman, Oct. 29, 1925.