Mary Ann "Molly" McGuckin, 1/1887-12/8/1912.

Mary Ann McGuckin was the daughter of James McGuckin, licenseholder of the Commercial Hotel in Omakau, and his wife Sarah, who were married at St Bathans in 1884.  They had both grown up in the town.  The description of her long and despairing illness is all that might be imagined of that scourge of the time, consumption, now better known as tuberculosis.

OBITUARY.

MARY ANN McGUCKIN, Omakau; Aetat 25.

It is with much regret we lake up our pen to chronicle the passing of the subject of this notice, so young in years and so popular in the district. Never of a robust constitution her health began to show signs of failing some four years ago, and, sad to relate, continued gradually to fail, until, mourned by all who knew her, 'Molly' passed away on the evening of the 12th inst. Everything that love could devise or that money could procure was practically at Molly's disposal — coupled with the best medical skill and the most tender nursing of her devoted mother and sisters, but all, alas! to no avail. Changes of air and scenery prescribed to Queenstown, Timaru, Temuka and Waikaka doubtless helped to prolong her days, but failed utterly to re-establish her health. And, decline having got a firm hold of her system, her parents had her placed in a sanatorium for six months, fervently hoping she might benefit by the treatment, but whatever benefit accrued from her residence in the institution, which she left ten weeks ago to return home, proved only to be of a temporary nature. And other complications setting in, her already enfeebled frame was too weak to cope with her malady, which, as could be seen three weeks prior to her death, would brook no arrest. Hence after a protracted illness she passed peacefully away as stated above. The funeral took place on the following Thursday, and, as was to be expected, was a very large one indeed — not less than 34 vehicles following the hearse, besides many on horseback, — and manifested the esteem in which the deceased was held by all who followed her remains to their last resting place in the Drybread cemetery. Rev. Mr Perkins, of Clyde, read the service with due solemnity. Amiable in character, and of a bright and obliging disposition, 'Molly' had many friends, and while all join in wishing 'peace to her memory,' very sincere sympathy is felt for the McGuckin family in their sad bereavement.  -Alexandra Herald and Central Otago Gazette, 28/8/1912.

The Commercial Hotel's license was transferred to another holder the year after Mary Ann's death. It was part of her parents selling off their land and holdings in the area, though they did not move away.  James died at Omakau at the beginning of 1918 and Sarah at the same place in 1927.

Drybread Cemetery, Otago.