Tearful farewell to Killerby
Woman who died in Pick n Pay fire laid to rest
THERE was hardly a dry eye at the Westering Methodist Church yesterday as friends, family and colleagues of the late Heather Jean Killerby, who died in the Circular Drive Pick n Pay blaze last week, gathered to pay their last respects.
The clouds began to clear as about 300 people started filling into the Clarence Street church, where bright yellow flowers decorated the altar for what the Reverend Clive Calder described as “a celebration of a brave and courageous woman”.
Killerby’s husband of 40 years, Clive, clutched his son Bruce as they walked to the foot of a cross to deliver a three-paragraph poem titled Heather My Love, which Clive said came to him during prayer.
“Father as I stand here today at the foot of the cross, my heart is sad and broken . . . Father as I held Heather at home on that fateful morning a week ago I ask You to continue to hold her in Your loving arms. Until it is my turn to come through those doors to you,” Clive read out before bursting into tears.
Killerby, 60, who lived in Lorraine and leaves her husband and two children, was described as “a patient and gentle woman” by her cousin, Sandy Purse, who delivered the eulogy.
“Anybody who met her only had good things to say about her. She was humble, loving, compassionate and a steadfast Christian. She was such a beautiful woman who always ensured to keep the family ties strong,” Purse said.
“She loved sewing, handwork and baking. She even sewed her daughter Debbie’s matric farewell dress.
“She contacted me earlier this month to come and visit her, but I never ended up going, which I sincerely regret today.”
Killerby’s siblings, David Baldie and Susan Baldie, shared their experiences with their beloved sister in letters which were read in church.
“She has always been a caring and passionate person who always put others’ needs before her own . . . Today I salute you, for you lived life the proper way,” David’s letter read.
The funeral was attended by about 30 Pick n Pay employees. The family held a private cremation ceremony.
At least seven other people were treated for minor injuries, smoke inhalation and shock after the fire at the Circular Drive Pick n Pay.
Paramedics on the scene said the first calls about the fire were received at about 11am.
The blaze began in a new extension for deliveries, being built at the back of Pick n Pay.
According to reports, construction workers were welding inside the building when sparks fell onto some boxes, which caught alight and in turn ignited chemicals in the building, which caused the fire to spread rapidly.