Thoughts for a lovely lady

Nikki Pinder from Cambridge. Karen's daughter and our Mother's first grandchild:

Granny, I would like to start by saying how much I love you, and that you have always been and always will be a very special person in my life. 

Words cannot say how much you will be missed by me and everyone that was privileged to have known you. You touched so many people’s hearts in so many ways that I am proud to call myself your grand daughter.

I have so many fond and special memories of you that you will never be far away, and I promise, never forgotten. 

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Tom Pinder studying at Nottingham University, Karen's son and our Mother's only grandson:

Thanks for being the best Granny anyone could want or have. I wish you could have seen me graduate, but I promise I’ll do you proud.

I will miss you more than you can ever tell.

Love you always. Tom

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Jean Page in Cape Town. Daughter of our Mother's late sister Felicia:

Our deepest sympathy on the passing of your Mom, our Aunty Aileen.  We attended the memorial service for your Mom this afternoon that was held here in Cape Town.  

It was a beautiful, moving service, during which I discovered how many wonderful memories your Mom provided for her family and friends, and I learned much about her life and her devotion to her children.  In this respect I realised that Aunty Aileen was very much like her sister Felicia, my late mother.  Therefore,  I know exactly how much you must love her and how much you must miss her now.  Hold on to the memories you have of your Mom because, they will become precious possessions  in your life, they will see you through the difficult and heartbreaking moments at the beginning and later they will make you smile.

My older sisters Marilyn, Patricia, Eleanor and Gail all have very clear and pleasant memories of spending time with your Mom when they were younger, when she  lived in South Africa.  Melony and I, however, were very young when your Mom still lived here and regularly spent time with the family, unfortunately we don't have these shared memories that my older sisters have.   The only time I can remember actually spending time with Aunty Aileen in person was a few years ago when her and Karen came on a visit to Cape Town.

What first made me have an instant liking and love for Aunty Aileen was that I knew how special she was to my late mother, Felicia.  Even though she lived in a different country and my Mom and her never saw each other regularly or even spoke to one another that often, I know that my Mom felt a closeness to her and loved her very much.  My Mom missed not having her here in South Africa.  They shared a special relationship that would not be altered by distance or the passing of time,  these most likely only strengthened the relationship and made them appreciate each other more.

My real relationship, friendship if  you will, with Aunty Aileen began when my Mom's health deteriorated some years before her passing.  My Mom was hospitalised on a number of occasions for various operations, and Aunty Aileen always phoned to see how she was progressing and would take the time to check on how I was feeling about my Mom being ill.   She would speak to my Mom and make her smile.   

I remember  Aunty Aileen sent my Mom a beautiful bouquet of flowers in a stunning vase, a few days before my Mom passed away, and  she phoned to make sure that they were beautiful and that my Mom had seen them.  Aunty Aileen wanted to make sure that my Mom knew she was thinking of her, that is  if  all the phone calls to the hospital didn't.  I love that your Mom made sure those that she loved and cared for, knew that she did.  

After my Mom passed away Aunty Aileen phoned me a number of times to reassure herself that I was ok, she knew I was close to my Mom.  I liked the way she called me "my girl" and recalled memories of my Mom.  We corresponded by sending each other cards and letters over the past four years, and although they are not many, I have  little pieces of written memories of your kind and loving Mom, the "sweetie pie" who watched over me and helped me deal with my own Mom's passing.  I never knew Aunty Aileen well by most measures, but I knew her well enough to know that she was a lovely human being whom I loved and will miss.

During this sad time remember one important thing, your Mom was never on her own. I am sure my Mom, her sister Felicia was watching over her all the time, and was there at the moment of her passing to take her home.

God Bless. Love from Jean.

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Kim Findlay in Cape Town. Niece and daughter of Joan and our mother's late brother Basil:

Our thoughts are with you at this sad time in your lives and our deepest sympathy goes to your family at this time of bereavement.

My mum and I attended the memorial service for Aileen in Cape Town yesterday and it was a beautiful service. It rekindled all the fond memories we have of her and reminded us what a special woman she was. We were all thankful of the opportunity to say our sad farewell to Aileen.

My memories of Aileen are happy ones. Whenever I think of her, I always chuckle to myself as there was always lots of laughter when she was around as well as very entertaining stories. I know that my dad and Aileen were very close and he always spoke fondly of her right until his death 5 months ago. I loved hearing about their shenanigans as children and young adults and it was very evident that there was a very strong bond between them. Aileen had a special place in all our hearts and we will miss her dearly.

All our love to you all and we will be thinking of you today.

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Steve Bradley in Cape Town, nephew to our Mother

Just wanted to let you all know how sorry we are to hear of your Mom's passing - she was a Lady loved by all who knew her and she will definitely be very sorely missed.

We attended the Memorial service here in Cape Town yesterday and it was really lovely - it was a testimony to a life well lived by a Lady who knew how to live life to the fullest.

To quote what somebody said yesterday in memory of Aunty Aileen (and which is so true of her) - Aunty Aileen lived hard, played hard and most certainly loved hard.

We all really loved her and will miss her terribly and are so very sorry for your loss of such a wonderful Mother, we just wish we could be there for you right now but just as long as you all know that you are in our thoughts and our prayers.

Lots of love from

Steven, Karen, Daniel and Melissa

PS:

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Dave Bradley in South Africa, another nephew to our Mother:

So sorry to hear of the loss, and please accept our condolences on the passing of your Mom and wife.

Life brings tears, smiles, and memories: the tears dry, the smile fades, but the memories live on forever.  

Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

From Dave, Colleen, Thomas, Linda and Ashlee-Rose

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