Matron Butler (Source: Graduate Nurses’ Association of the Parramatta District Hospital) [1]
In 1918, Rose Butler joined the staff of the Parramatta District Hospital as a probationer. Butler was the third daughter of William and Maria Butler, pioneer residents of Barmedman and Wyalong, N.S.W.[4] Wyalong, being the place where she grew up and had a highly successful musical career after her family moved there during the outbreak of the Wyalong goldfield.[5] She was described as being tall, fair, reserved and very conscientious person.[1]
(Source: The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate)[3]
She was Theatre Sister for nine years and was a popular nurse along with Sisters Lilian Smairl and Eileen Corderoy.[2] In August 1941, she became the second Parramatta Graduate to become Matron after the resignation of Matron Corderoy. A highly esteemed and respected matron, she devoted 26 years of her life to the Hospital.[5]
Sadly, on her return trip from a holiday visit in Melbourne, Victoria, she collapsed and died on the Albury Railway Station on Monday night 7 May 1945. Her sudden death was a blow to all that knew her. During her funeral cortege to the Crematorium, a guard of honour was formed by about 70 sisters and nurses, doctors and members of the public lined the streets of Parramatta as a tribute to her.[4,5,6]
On 2 November 1946, a memorial electric clock was unveiled by Reverend Edward Walker of All Saints Church at the Nurses’ Home, Parramatta Hospital in memory of the late Matron Rose Butler.[7]
Anne Tsang, Research Assistant, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta 2020
References
- Graduate Nurses’ Association of the Parramatta District Hospital. (1979). A history of nursing in Parramatta. Parramatta, N.S.W.: PDH Graduate Nurses’ Association, p. 65-66.
- The three graces.(1929, January 31). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 14. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article104719116
- News of the week in picture. Among the blooms (1933, October 26). The Cumberland Argus and Fruitgrowers Advocate, p. 25. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article107800882
- Butler. [Death notice] (1945, May 10). The Sydney Morning Herald, p. 12. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article17935573
- Death of Matron Butler. (1945, May 21). The West Wyalong Advocate, p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185749420
- Obituary. Miss R. Butler. (1945, May 10). The West Wyalong Advocate, p. 1. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185749191
- Matron Rose Butler Memorial Unveiled at Nurses’ Home (1946, December 16). The West Wyalong Advocate, p. 2. Retrieved from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article185761940