Mary Couchman (buried 1897)

Mary was born in Worthing, the daughter of John and Mary Anne nee Wood. John was the younger brother of William Couchman who is buried at Heene. She was baptised at Broadwater Church on 3rd September 1848. Mary was brought up by her mother's parents Thomas and Catherine Wood who lived in New Street, Worthing. Thomas was a shoemaker and Catherine a nurse. By 1881, Mary was working as a lady's maid in the Grundtvig family household in London. They were a wealthy family originally from Denmark. Eventually, Mary became a companion to Frederica one of the daughters, who suffered from epilepsy. By 1891, Frederica was sent to Worthing for her health and Mary went with her. Frederica died on 28th February 1894 and was buried at Heene. Mary moved to "Ellaland" in Downview Road. On 11th August, Mary died at Preston Cottage, Preston, Brighton. Frederica's brother Charles was Mary's executor. Probate was granted on 25th August to Charles Frederick Grundtvig Esq. Effects £686 6s 6d.

Note: Mary was the daughter of John Couchman who was the younger brother of William Couchman. She was brought up by John's parents-in-law. John Couchman and his wife brought up their other children in Broadwater.