ABSTRACT

At age 76, Fielde was still a healthy and vigorous woman, widely known, revered, and dedicated to the social good. Quite simply, she could not stop working. Such a person, a woman of iron, who never discussed health, might go on forever, her friends thought. But in January 1916, Helen N. Stevens, Fielde’s intimate friend and co-worker, who saw her almost every day, noticed that she did not look well, and that she had remained indoors in inclement weather, unusual behavior for Fielde.2 She admitted that she felt poorly and was experiencing increasing bouts of weakness, which she ascribed to her age. At Steven’s insistence, Fielde consulted a physician, and the news was catastrophic. After a confirmatory examination the conclusion was reached that she had only weeks, perhaps a month or two, to live, probably the victim of cancer that was relatively silent until it reached an advanced stage. On February 9, the day after Fielde’s second physical examination, Stevens was summoned by Fielde’s maid to come quickly, and upon her arrival found Fielde in bed. She informed Stevens that her life was nearing its end, and that what remained to be done was to arrange her earthly affairs. Stevens recorded the dying woman’s remarks:

My dear, Dr. C.W. Sharples has just told me that I am afflicted with a malady for which, at my age, there is no remedy or cure. As I wished to be fully informed I asked him to tell me how long approximately I would remain here. In reply he said “it might be several months, but more probably it would be only for a few weeks and perhaps but for a few days.” I am perfectly satisfied to go into my next life and I hope the call will soon come; but we will talk of my journey to eternity later on. At present I have many things to do before I go. My financial affairs are already off my mind, as this morning I gave them into the hands of Mr. George H. Walker, my friend and lawyer. Now I must go to work to “set my house in order” while I have possession of my mental faculties

and the necessary physical strength. I sent for you and Mrs. W.D. Perkins to help me do this.