Johanna McCarthy Binning - First Catholic Burial in Waikumete

Although she is buried here as Johanna McCarthy she was in fact Mrs Johanna Binning when she took her own life on April the 16th 1886. Her headstone was paid for by her adoptive parents, which may account for her maiden name being used, and is solid marble.

Photo by Kath Kingswood

Despite her death being a suicide AND the fact that her husband George was Anglican, she was the first Catholic burial in Waikumete. Her funeral was officiated by the kind and compassionate Father Walter McDonald, who wrote in the cemetery records book next to Johanna’s name “So glad to see my old friend”.

Roman Catholic Division A,  Row 1,
Plot 1: Johanna Binning (30) 1886

Of Your Charity Pray for the Repose of the Soul of

JOHANNA McCARTHY

of Co Kerry. Ireland.  

The beloved wife of

GEORGE BINNING.

who died April 12th 1886

aged 30 years.

May she rest in peace.

Source: Paul Gittins – Epitaph

Compiled by Geri Eccles - Discover Waikumete