Thank you all for joining to celebrate the life of my Gran. She was an incredible woman—selfless, kind, and full of heart. As a nurse, she cared deeply for others, and that care extended far beyond her job - she would bleach the school socks of kids who got them bloodied. She was always involved in the church, baking cakes from scratch just to donate them, never wanting thanks—just wanting to give. Gran taught us so much. How to bake, how to sew, and how to live with love, patience, and purpose. She never asked for anything, but gave everything. Her strength and generous spirit touched everyone around her. We’ll miss her more than words can say, but we’ll carry her with us—in every cake we bake, every stitch we sew, and of course every teddy our children carry around.

A FEW THOUGHTS ABOUT DAWN “Humility, compassion, dedication, grace,” “a friend on whom one could depend,” “willing to help where she could.” These were some of the comments shared at our Ladies morning this week. For many years Dawn was a Lay Minister at St Agnes, Kloof. In her quiet way she carried out the duties faithfully, such as visiting sick in hospital and at home, taking Communion to them, assisting at Services. On Sundays she was part of a team who welcomed folk as they came to church, meeting visitors, ensuring they felt ‘at home’. Dawn was an active member of the Woman’s Fellowship which met monthly at St Agnes; assisted with all the activities undertaken for people less fortunate than ourselves. In our Small ‘Home’ Group which met once a week, Dawn was a vital part. We learnt much from her; her knowledge and appreciation of Scripture always gave us more insight. Sometimes she led our study time. When it was her ‘tea day’ (we took turns), she would arrive with a basketful of freshly baked scones, as only Dawn could make them, and homemade jams – delicious! Life wasn’t always easy for Dawn but never did we hear her complain. In time, when all her family had moved on, it was time for her to do the same. That’s when she left us to join her sister in White River which, we understood to be a good move. It is with sadness that we learnt of Dawn’s passing on Friday 9th and know she is at rest in the nearer presence of her Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. RIP dear Dawn and Rise in Glory.

Hi Michelle - I was so very sad to hear of Dawn's passing - sending my deepest sympathy I was part of her home group here in Kloof - and I know she did so much for so many people - she was a real example to us all. Also, she made the best scones ever! Not to mention the jams and lemon curd! Rest in peace Dawn ❤️🙏 My condolences to all the family. Love Jean

My first recollection of Dawn were of the lady who fetched the Home Communion box from the vestry at St Agnes Church. She would be on her way to give communion to the house bound, those in hospital and those convelescing at home . She was always enquiring after sick people in the parish and ready to help. That was Dawn’s caring nature for her fellow man . She joined our bible study group and was an active participant. When it was Dawn’s turn to provide eats for Bible study, we all looked forward to it knowing that Dawn would arrive with her basket of freshly baked scones and her home made jam. And was that delicious! Dawn was a keen gardener and always happy to share her plants and vegetables from her garden. She generously shared with what she could . If she knew of parishioners who had no transport and had to see the doctor, Dawn stepped in to give them lifts. Her love for her family is not to be forgotten. She cherished each member. Dawn in my heart you will live as a dear friend, caring , generous and always helpful. Annelie Berry

Dear Mom, Dawn, Granny and Gogo You have set a beautiful and incredible high standard for all of us to follow. We honour and applaud the life you lived - a life of unconditional love, generosity , compassion and selflessness. You always put the needs of others before your own …offering care not only to people but animas also - whose wellbeing was just as close to your heart . You were never idle. Aways helping , always giving . Anyone in need who crossed your path could count on your kindness and support. Your hands were never still - baking delicious treats , making jams and preserves, sewing and knitting .. and creating countless teddies that brought warmth and comfort , even reaching all the way to Australia. And - oh how much joy to brought to us all , especially the kids. We remember how you aways left a little batter in the bowl because you knew how much the children loved liking the spoon . Your chocolate mousse was incredible. We remember sitting at the kitchen table while you made candles for the church , letting the girls play with the warm wax as it cooled - something magical and a little mischievous . Your birthday cakes weren’t just cakes , they were celebrations in themselves - something that Kelly has now mastered . You were even famous for your beer box cakes , in fact , Dale was carrying in 7 cakes some times . You never did anything halfway. You had a heart for the smallest and most helpless - we still remember you checking the bin area at the supermarket when the gutters were cleaned , just in case there were baby birds that needed rescuing . And of course , who could forgot those family photo’s . Just as we were about the smile you’d cheekily shout ‘sex’ instead of ‘cheese’ , we were mortified , but in truth every one smiled. Your work as a lay minister was another way you shared your love and faith. You gave your time freely, ministering to others and walking humble as a servant of God. Quietly , but powerfully , you spread His love wherever you went . You did so much for so many and asked for so little in return. You rarely complained - except perhaps about the weather - and even then you made us smile . We’ll carry with us the laughter , the love and the family moments that made you part of our home . As we move forward without you by our sides , we will do our best to walk in the light you left behind . You held the torch of righteousness high - and we promise to do our best to follow in your footsteps . Your legacy lives on within each of us. That torch will keep shining brightly in our hearts . Rest in peace . Mom, Dawn , Granny , Gogo We love you deeply and miss you dearly

One thing we will for ever be grateful to Aunty Dawn for is how she was able to help my mom during Covid Lockdown. Mom, Annie, was having a bit of a wobble, quite a big wobble in fact and needed help. With myself and Wendy living in Swaziland, we were unable to get through the border and also unable to get my mom through the border so I suggested that Mom get hold of her sister in Drummond and see if she could go down there and at least stay with Dawn and have some company. She duly did this and Dawn arranged with her landlord Hein, who obtained the required permissions to travel during lockdown and collected my mom in White River himself. My mom then stayed with Dawn for a few months and as you all know, Dawn can be a proper Seargent Major, so she had my mom out and about walking up and down the driveway and got her back on track again. I’m sure many arguments were had between the two of them but that is exactly what my mom needed, Company and someone to talk to, and Dawn was there for her when she needed it most. Dawn was a loving, caring person who wasn’t scared to get her hands dirty, she would get stuck into anything and everything she could. Hence her involvement with 67 Blankets as well as other projects once she moved up to Macadamia. Aunty Dawn we will dearly miss you and thanks again for being the sister you were to my mom and the aunt you were to us. Rest in Peace.