Her spirituality was contagious. The love for Jesus and Mother Mary was admirable; she diligently resighted the CWL prayers. She would always inform me what they as CWL members did for the community and parish priest in Port Elizabeth and what role we in CWL Kuilsriver should be fulfilling.

When relocating back to Port Elizabeth to Malabar, she just could not be quiet or sit still, she encouraged her friends to be active and did various activities. The last known activity to me was the “Cap Drive” for St Joseph’s Home in Motana Cape Town for the chronically ill children.  Caps were made for each child and her wish was that on distribution day she would like a picture of them to be published in the Catholic newspaper The Southern Cross as this was her means of receiving faith news across Southern Africa.

When she ask me to assist her with the family tree, she spoke of each child and family with so much love, sometimes I just laughed as aunty Gwen assumed I knew them all. I will most definitely miss her phone calls.

Losing someone we love is not easy but I hope and pray that you find comfort and consolation. After the tears had dried all I have to hold onto are the happy memories that we’ve shared, rest in peace my little flower. Love you Aunty Gwen from Vanessa Rhode at CWL, St. Ninians Catholic Church, Kuils River, Cape Town”