In 1864, Henry & Mary were farming at Waiorongomai, on
the western side of Lake Wairarapa.
Mary died on 14 August 1864, aged 62 years. She may have
suffered a stroke, as her cause of death was recorded as ‘paralysis’. Because
she died in Featherston, this indicates that she may have been nursed by
someone living there.
Mary’s body was buried at Featherston five days later, on 19
August 1864.
There was no cemetery in Featherston at the time, but Mary, and a couple of local women before her, were known to have been buried in an unfenced
area of land that would later be designated as ‘Featherston Cemetery’.
Mary’s
exact burial location remains unknown.
In 1995,
the Featherston Community Board planted a weeping crabapple tree to commemorate women's suffrage
and the achievements of women.
A bronze plaque at the foot of the tree also
commemorates Mary Burling’s burial there. The plaque was unveiled by Mary’s
great granddaughters Jean Shaw and her sister Audrey Simpson. Unfortunately, the plaque has since been removed
from its plinth.
Western Lake Road
Featherston