Janet Knott-Craig passes away at 71
The daughter-in-law of Alan Knott-Craig, a man appointed in 1951 as managing editor of Oudtshoorn Courant, passed away peacefully at her home in Boggoms Bay on 5 January this year. Janet Heather (Schorn) Knott-Craig, also the daughter of former vice-principal and teacher at Oudtshoorn High School during the 1970s, Thomas Schorn, was 71 years old.
One of her three sons, Matthew Knott-Craig, told the newspaper this week that his mother, born in Kimberley on 12 May 1952, spent much of her early life growing up in Somerset East with her parents and brothers, cherishing family holidays in Scottburgh and later Melton Wold.
"After her education at Wynberg and graduation from the Grahamstown Teachers’ Training College, she embarked on a fulfilling teaching career. She began by establishing a preschool creche and later devoted herself to nurturing both primary and high school students," he said.
Janet's path intertwined with Alan DC Knott-Craig and together they raised a family of three boys in Pretoria. They got married in Oudtshoorn though on 22 March 1975."Not only did they nurture their children, but they also opened their hearts and home to numerous foster children during my mother's tenure with the Louis Botha Children’s Home. Her passion for caring for young souls extended well beyond her teaching years," Matthew recounted.
According to Matthew Janet, with a spirit as boundless as the open spaces she sought, eventually settled in Clarens and later Somerset West before finding solace in the embrace of loved ones in Boggoms Bay.
"Fiercely independent and unapologetically authentic, my mother was a beacon of warmth, always ready with a smile and a contagious laugh, especially when the joke was on herself. Her love knew no bounds, and she radiated joy wherever she went."
Janet is survived by her three sons, two brothers, three granddaughters and countless others whom she held close to her heart.
A memorial celebrating her vibrant life will be held today, 15 February in her cherished Boggoms Bay fairy garden.