Tag: Lena

This monument drew interest during the research aspect of the project. The inscription on the stone was unclear, and there were three separate records of death dates, the 16^th, 17^th and 18^th of August. This turned out to be a tragic case of possible mental health issues and subsequent (suspected) suicide.

IN (LOVING MEMORY)

OF

LENA

BELOVED WIFE OF A. ADELSON

DIED

AUG 17 1903

AGED 44 YEARS

Birth: 1859, Russia.

Death: August 17th, 1903, suspected suicide by drowning. Aged 44.

Historical Sources:

1. Family Search includes a clipping from the Victoria Times newspaper on August 18th, 1903. Lena Adelson was found drowned at Porter’s Warf in Victoria BC. This explains the three suggested dates of death. They also state that Lena suffered from ‘mental trouble’, and was institutionalized at one point. Her husband and several (unnamed, no number) children are reported to have survived her

Monument: Marble monument, placed face up after damage from falling over. Severe weathering, pollution deposits and beginning growth of moss and lichen.

Note:

When the monument is wet from rain or sprinklers, the inscription can be seen differently from when dry. The date of death is clear on the monument under these conditions.