Tribute to ex-Star charities manager

THE FORMER promotions manager of The Star newspaper, Heliodoria “Hilly” Camacho, pictured, has died at the age of 59.

Camacho, who took early retirement in December 2010, had worked for Independent Newspapers for 35 years.

Born on January 14, 1956 in Madeira, Portugal, Camacho came to South Africa with her parents in 1960. She attended St Catherine’s Convent in Florida and matriculated at Krugersdorp High School in 1973.

She joined Independent Newspapers (then Argus Publishing) in 1975 as a secretary. She was promoted to assistant promotions manager in 1980 and promotions manager in 1986.

Camacho’s great passion was The Star Charities, which she ran successfully for many years. Thousands of recipients of The Star Seaside Fund and Operation Snowball will be grateful Camacho cared enough to encourage news editors to put articles about the less privileged on the front page.

During the cold winter months, Camacho worked tirelessly to bring in blankets and clothing for the disadvantaged. Her greatest delight was seeing underprivileged children visit the sea for the first time.

In his tribute, Kevin Ritchie, editor of The Star, said: “Camacho will be remembered by the many whose lives she touched in the best possible way, both within The Star itself and the broader community.

“She was a professional with a passion for the paper and its people, setting an example for us all. We will miss her dearly, but her legacy lives on.”

Hilly is survived by her husband Cecilio, daughters Monique and Angelique, and extended family.