Oh Lovely Lady

Oh lovely lady, I'll never forget your smile
Always greeting, never fleeting
Warmth like a sun, a heart like an oven
Before I knew you, I could always tell that you'd be a lovely lady

Oh lovely lady, I'll never forget your kindness
Forever easing, constantly pleasing
Touch of an angel, gentleness incomparable
When I knew you, I always felt you were a lovely lady

Oh lovely lady, I'll never forget your love
Cradled like a cushion, a mother's intuition
Consuming like a fire, a woman I could always admire
Now that I've known you, you'll always remain
A lovely lady.

When Auntie Dione smiled, you could see the dimple in her cheek. She walked through this world, appreciating everything in it. She did not just meet people; she touched people. She had this ability to make you feel special.

When Auntie Dione laughed, her whole body danced with joy. She radiated happiness, and the rays of sunshine that she emanated would warm you up from head to toe. She would tell me that I was smart, that I could do anything, and be anything that I wanted to be. Being in Auntie Dione’s presence was not just a confidence boost – it was a boost to my soul.

Auntie Dione was kind. Not just to the people that she knew, but also to complete strangers. She always had a good word to say, and she was the first person to volunteer her time and energy to help another.

She led by example. Her strength of character came from her incredible mother, and from her deep rooted belief in God. Auntie Dione was one of a kind, a breath of fresh air, and a reminder of the goodness and the blessings that we have in this life.

Auntie Dione, we spent one summer with you and we enjoyed more happiness and laughter than some people have in their whole lives. That was the kind of person she was – someone you could meet for moment, yet remember for a lifetime.

I know that she is looking down upon us now. She delighted in our successes and motivated us through our failures. She was quick to praise, quick to take care of us, and she never took anything for granted. To Auntie Dione, anything as little as doing the dishes was worthy of a ‘thank you’.

She once told me that it was extremely important to look after yourself. Auntie Dione spent so much of her time looking after other people, but she knew that the secret to this life was in loving yourself, loving others, and loving God.

Auntie Dione, it will be easy to remember you. You demonstrated resilience, humility, godliness and strength in all things. And above all, you brought a special kind of joy to our lives that will never be forgotten. When God sends angels to walk amongst us, we do not always recognise them. Auntie Dione, you were a true angel, and we will continue to bless your name and celebrate your life, as we know that you are now reunited with our Father in heaven. Your memory will live on in our hearts forever.

May your soul rest in perfect peace.

If destiny and identity are kernelled in one’s name, Dione was a living example. She was a beautiful, charming, affectionate woman who held her head high, walked proud, and knew she was worthy of true friends.

With her common touch and valiant heart, she walked and talked with the self-assurance of someone on a mission. It was difficult not to be struck by her loyalty, which was the common thread in all of her relationships. Her persona was intricately woven with those she loved while her warmth and inner strength enchanted people she encountered in differing offerings. When she set her sights on something, she went to achieve it with full commitment.

Dione encapsulated the values that define our very existence…A woman after God’s heart, she had a passion for working with the vulnerable and less fortunate. Her strong faith and level-headedness were just some of her endearing traits that made her so loved, so special, so unique.

Adieu Dione. Heaven just gained a new angel