194 The Francis A. Drexel Family 
"Give her to eat," (they murmur sweet), 
"The fruit of her fair hands; 
While in the gates, her good works meet, 
To bless her, as she stands!" 
O noble mother! noble wife! 
Model of love and faith! 
O valiant woman, strong in life, 
But stronger still in death. 
No golden shrine, all gem-besprent, 
Fame o'er thine ashes rears,— 
Behold, the poor,—thy monument! 
Thine epitaph,—their tears! 
Eleanor C. Donnelly 
February 5, 1883 
The death of the beloved wife and mother left a void 
in the hearts of her family which it seemed nothing 
could ever fill. But life must be lived no matter how 
hearts may suffer and Mr. Francis A. Drexel and his 
three daughters with their strong faith in the future 
life and loving resignation to God's holy Will bravely 
took up the threads broken by the Angel of Death. 
There was much to occupy the time and thoughts of 
the three sisters. Thoroughly trained in all household 
duties and needs they continued the work mapped out 
by the loved departed. 
On Elizabeth as the oldest sister naturally fell the 
chief responsibility. How completely she understood this 
is revealed by an entry into her diary: 
Papa and his comfort in his home is my first of earthly duties 
and cares; Louise, Kate, then every human being whom Providence 
casts in my way. 
Self forgetfulness, a complete giving up of one's self 
to others is the best anodyne to hearts in sorrow. Eliza-