Helena Strawson (Lena) Townshend (5D40)
| Date of Birth: | 9 Mar 1869 |
|---|---|
| Date of Death: | dunm 13 Sep 1961 |
| Generation: | 7th |
| Residence: | London |
| Father: | Nathaniel Wilmot Oliver Townshend [5D13] |
| Mother: | Strawson, Maria |
| Spouse: | Unmarried |
| Issue: | None |
| See Also: | Table VD ; Scrapbook ; Lineage ; Ancestors' Tree ; Descendents' Tree |
Notes for Helena Strawson Townshend (Lena)
Helena was born in Uttoxeter, Staffordshire.
Educated at a private school in Severn Sisters, as was her sister Florence Townshend [5D41], and the Home and Colonial Training College, Lena taught in various schools before she went to Paris in 1890 to learn French and teach English. Initially she lived with Miss Kampman and subsequently with Madame Mansfield who had a large flat at 157 Fauborg St Honore. When Lena's sister, Katherine Townsend [5D39], joined her in Paris in 1894 they set up a boarding house along with Madame Mansfield. Later they were joined by Harriet's sister, Florence.
Whilst Katherine's health broke down in 1908 and she returned to England, Lena carried on the business for a time before giving it up, moving into a smaller flat and taking up private teaching again. She continued in Paris until 1932 when she returned to England and took a flat in Freelands Road, Bromley, Kent, where she stayed until 1952 when her health broke down and she moved into St Raphael's Nursing Home. Later she transferred to the Catholic Nursing Home at 80 Lambeth Road, London SE1 where she died. She was cremated at Crystal Palace Crematorium 18 September 1961.
‘Slater’s Royal National Directory of Ireland, 1894’ records under the heading ‘Munster Parishes - Passage West. Private residents’ - “Townsend Miss Helena, 5 Glenbrook terrace.” This must be another Helena Townsend.