Tribute to a mother of many
The Mossel Bay community mourns the loss of one of the most compassionate, caring community persons.
Rachel du Preez (née Phillips), originally from Port Elizabeth, made an indelible mark on the lives of all whose paths crossed hers.
Aunty Rachel, or Juffrou Du Preez, passed away on Friday, 6 April at the age of 77. She is survived by her husband Ivan, two daughters, Jene and Joy, three grandchildren, Emi, Oscar and Sofia, as well as Thierry, her son-in-law.
A teacher by qualification, she was a multifaceted, uniquely talented, extraordinarily gifted, yet extremely humble person. In her quiet, unassuming way, all she ever intended was to spread goodwill and kindness. Be it taking a plate of her food to her widowed neighbour, or to seek out her ex-domestic helper and ensure that she has something warm to wear and a plate of cooked food in winter. Treating people with dignity was her greatest quest in life and in that way she set an example to all everyone.
Her cooking, baking, sewing, knitting and home-making skills were widely known and highly valued and admired. She was a nurturer par excellence, who made everyone who stepped over her doorstep feel at home instantly.
Mother to four children of her own, she was also the pioneer AFS-host-mother to numerous exchange students, who after 25 years still consider her their mother and still visit her and commemorate her birthday and other significant celebrations. They too mourn the loss of their dear "mother".
Grandmother to three grandchildren, she was the dream of any grandchild. She baked the best cookies, cooked the best food, spoilt like only grans could do and yet, reprimanded lovingly and caringly. She also taught skills and conveyed knowledge and wisdom in the patient and caring ways only a gran can manage.
A true, dear loyal friend, we all knew we could count on her to provide the most comprehensive, caring, loving support at any time of day or night.
Fiercely protective of family and friends, but also of the underdog, she would defend the interests of those who cannot speak or fend for themselves. She did not hesitate or squirm to beg for charitable causes, not for herself.
Religious, but, more significantly, deeply spiritual, Rachel served her church community with dedication and commitment in a variety of roles.
With her delicate beauty and very refined manner, she was the epitome of grace and style, always impeccably dressed, she would also not hesitate to tell you if a particular outfit or garment did not suit an occasion.
Whether you knew her as Aunty Rachel, Juffrou Rachel, Mrs Du Preez, mom or gran, tribute must be paid to the legacy of a humble servant of the people, a true legend and heroine who served her role and purpose with no fanfare, no public notice, but quietly, diligently, humbly and compassionately.
A dedicated teacher, she left footprints to be followed as she lived and taught in various towns across the Western Cape: Montagu, Villiersdorp, Roberston, Port Elizabeth, Paarl and Mossel Bay.
She will be sorely missed in her neighbourhood, her friendship circle, her immediate and extended family, the church community and by all who have made her acquaintance over the years, be it as a pupil, colleague, fellow college student, friend, sister, cousin or aunt.
Long live the spirit of Aunty Rachel.
A teacher by qualification, she was a multi-faceted, uniquely talented, extraordinarily gifted, yet extremely humble person.