Mary Dunn (born Strachan)

In 1894 Mary left Mosgiel to be trained as a Salvation Army Cadet in Newtown.

In 1902 She resigned from the Army due to illness and lived in Pahiatua, where she married Henry Horace Dunn on 25 2 1903. The wedding as reported in the "war cry" of March 14 1903 was Bright, Happy and Jovial. Mary applied to rejoin the Army in 1911.

She died at Elthams boys home on May 15 1922.

Death notice in the War Cry May 20 1922:

"It is with sincere sorrow we have to announce the sudden promotion to glory of our dear and worthy comrade, Mrs Adjutant Dunn, of the Eltham Boys' Home. This has come to all concerned, and especially to her dear husband, as a great shock. The Adjutant wa with us at the Congress, and subsequently made a short visit to friends in the South Island; hastening back, he found his wife nearing the river. We request the prayers of all on behalf of the bereaved father and son. The latter was on his way from Oamaru to Eltham when his mother entered the realms of the blest.

An article on her funeral in the War Cry on May 27th 1922 states:

"Her officer comrades are unstinting in the testimony they bear to her outstanding abilities, her devotion, her deep compassion and sympathy for the needy and suffering."

"During the four short months that Mrs, Dunn with the Adjutant has been at the boys home, her sacrifing labours, her inspiring example, her utterly unselfish spirit have won for her a very exalted place in the affections, confidence and esteem of the Officers and boys of the home, the comrades of the Corps and the townspeople with whom she came in contact."

"The audience was roused to intense sympathy by Adjutant Dunn's splendid tribute to his glorified wife and helpmate"

Her Neice Margaret Stella Owens married Henry after her death.

Her next of kin is listed as a Mrs D Owens, maybe sister.