Edith Helen Katzenellenbogen
Welkom op Edith se huldeblykblad. Ons nooi u hartlik uit om u medelye, huldeblyke en foto's op die herinneringsmuur te deel ter nagedagtenis aan haar lewe.
Welcome to Edith's tribute page. Please feel free to share your condolences, tributes and pics on the memory wall.
Edith's story
Edith Helen Katzenellenbogen, known to many of us simply as Edie, Katzie, Juf. Katzie, Dok Katzie, or Prof Katzie. To her family, she was also a devoted sister, a steadfast friend, and to her beloved dogs, she was their whole world.
Edith was born on 21 May 1940, the middle child of Labe and Nonnie Katzenellenbogen. She grew up in Wolseley and the Strand, with her elder brother Dionne and younger sister Charlotte. Their upbringing was shaped by a unique blend of cultures and faiths: a Jewish father whose commitment to Christianity under the guidance of Ds. Greyling of the Tulbagh NG Kerk would today be described as Messianic Judaism, and a mother who was a “baie mooi, Christelike boere meisie.” This blend, while rich, was not without its challenges. Edith and Dionne often endured anti-Semitic taunts, and Dionne once came home with a bloody nose on a Friday afternoon — the start of the Jewish Sabbath. These early experiences left an indelible mark on Edith, igniting in her a lifelong commitment to building bridges between faiths and families. She excelled at this, embodying a quiet strength and graciousness that allowed her to connect with people from all walks of life.
From a young age, Edith shone brightly. She immersed herself in tap, ballet, and drama classes, later taking up hockey and athletics. She often captained her teams, a testament to her leadership and determination. Towards the end of her high school years, when she was Head Girl, she led the Hottentots Holland High School Drum Majorettes down Somerset West Main Road during a festival — a blonde bombshell of a "drompoppie," as her family fondly remembers.
Life brought its share of hardship. The loss of their father when Edith was only 19 left the family reeling. Yet, even as a young woman, Edith demonstrated her resilience and sense of responsibility. While pursuing her studies in Physical Education at Stellenbosch University (Maties), she took on student jobs to support herself. The Robertson family of the Strand welcomed her into their home and hearts during this time, offering her a second family and unwavering encouragement. Later, when their family was separated, Edith joined her mother and Charlotte in the old Rhodesia, teaching at high schools there before returning to Stellenbosch to take up a junior lectureship. Her tireless efforts helped rebuild their family, ensuring Charlotte could finish school and caring for their mother until her passing in 2003 at the age of 90.
Edith’s academic and professional journey was nothing short of remarkable. She earned a B.Sc. in 1960, a Secondary Education Diploma (SOD) in 1964, and a Ph.D. in 1976 at Stellenbosch. Her studies also took her abroad, earning an M.Sc. from the University of Illinois in 1967. Her career at Stellenbosch University spanned decades, where she progressed from lecturer to full professor in the Department of Human Movement Science. As alternate Head of Department from 1989 until her retirement in 1996, she shaped countless lives and inspired generations of students. Her scholarly contributions in human movement science, physical education, and dance ethnology are widely respected, and her publications, such as Suid-Afrikaanse Danse in Volkstrant and educational films like Opvoedkundige Dans, continue to influence the field.
Beyond academia, Edith was involved with several organizations, including the Interchange Foundation and Rainbow Youth Interaction South Africa. She also served as editor for prominent journals and received numerous accolades, such as the Fellowship Award from the South African Federation for Movement and Leisure Sciences and the Gold Award for Outstanding Service to the Youth by Die Voortrekkers.
But to define Edith by her career alone would be to miss her essence. She was a woman of profound faith, whose trust in God carried her through trials and triumphs. She had a generous heart, always seeking to bless, encourage, and go the extra mile for others, often at great personal sacrifice. Edith adored her dogs, her "fur children," and found joy in the beauty of music, dance, art, and gardens.
Even as her health declined in recent years, Edith remained fiercely independent, enduring debilitating pain with remarkable courage. She stayed deeply interested in others, keeping in touch, remembering birthdays, and offering encouragement even in her own struggles.
In Hebrew, the name Tovah encapsulates Edith’s spirit: virtue, positivity, and kindness. Her Old English name means “prosperous in strife,” and truly, Edith was “a tough but kind-hearted cookie,” as her family so aptly puts it. She lived a life of meaning and service, leaving behind a legacy of love, resilience, and wisdom.
We give thanks today for the gift of her life and the indelible mark she leaves on each of us. May her memory be a blessing, and may we honor her by building the kind of bridges she spent her life creating.
'n Hartlike dankie van die familie
Ons dra ons innigste dank en waardering op aan Clara, Claudia en Maredon, wie se onwrikbare teenwoordigheid lig en troos aan Edith se laaste reis gebring het. Dag en nag het hulle aan haar sy gewaak met standvastige positiewe gees en haar sagkens aangemoedig om nooit op te gee nie. Met diep respek, grenselose empatie en teer sorg het hulle haar waardigheid geëer en haar dae versag. Hulle toewyding en goedhartigheid sal vir altyd in ons harte voortleef.
Gallery
Memory wall
sedert ek gehoor het jy dans nou met die Engele, dra ek jou in my gedagtes saam. en besef ek
jy het n baie groot rol in my lewe gespeel en daarvoor sal ek jou ewig dankbaar bly.
Gedurende my studentejare word ek gevra om hand te gee by 'n Tricelle Kamp.. jy lei die godsdiens.. daardie dag sê jy iets wat n enorme kopskuif by my teweegbring en sedertdien my lewe rig
"the C for Christian is a bent I"
Tydens my LO studiejare 66-68 was daar hierdie Fees van die Grond wat in Kaapstad plaasvind . Juf Katzie doen die coreografie van n ongelooflike stuk werk wat ons in Adderleystraat opvoer..
en daar beleef ek nog n kopskuif en ontwikkel n sterk Omgewings bewussyn.
1988 is my oudste dogter in Bloemhof st9.. die reël van die matriekafskeid met die tema House of Dior is my verantwoordelikheid.. n modevertoning in periode kleredrag deur st 9 dogters 1900-1910
die 20s, 30s tot die 80s.. natuurlik is Juf Katzie met die kennis om te help met die keuse van musiek en passies vir elke periode...wat n roaring sukses was dit nie!
Dankie Juf Katzie dat jy my pad gekruis en my lewe oneindig verryk het.. I salute you
Ek is dankbaar daarvoor.
Baie dankie vir die voorreg om vir 'n paar jaar by die Tricelle Kampe te kon werk en so baie van jou & Juf Wiid te kon leer.
Julle het 'n groot impak op so baie van onse lewens gehad...
"You can shed tears that she is gone,
or you can smile because she had lived."
(Anon)
Rus in Vrede
From, Brenda and Brian
We share our joys and hardships throughout life's many journeys and she was a loyal and loving friend to me and my children in every situation.. I learnt sò much from her and am grateful for having had such an exceptional lady as my best friend, who always inspired those around her to do and be better. She was sò dedicated to all the tasks she undertook.
Be at peace dear friend without pain at last.
Rus in ons vader se arms🌹🌿
13 “But I do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, concerning those who have fallen asleep, lest you sorrow as others who have no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with Him those who sleep in Jesus. 15 For this we say to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who are asleep. 16 For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord. 18 Therefore comfort one another with these words.”
We have known Edith as an aunt, a friend to Jo-Jo and an ally whenever in need of help or support in any manner whatsoever. We have also known her as a follower and servant of the Lord Jesus Christ. It is to Him we turn in gratitude as we consider her life, and as we consider her now, secure in His presence.
What a privilege it has been to know Edith, and what an honour to be with her in the final stretch. We praise the Lord for his indescribable goodness!
JB Krohn and Family
When my parents were unsure about letting me move schools, it was Edith who believed in me and helped them see it too. I have always seen her as my grandmother in every way that matters, and I will forever be thankful for everything she has done, not just for me, but for our entire family.
Her absence leaves a deep emptiness. Sadly, I never got the chance to properly say goodbye, and that is something I will carry with me always.
She meant the world to me, and she will be missed more than words can express.
We will miss you, Heidi and Chloe.
With joy for having had you in our lives and with sadness that you are no longer here.
With love from Marlene and Shirley
Ek gaan ons geselsies mis Katzie.
Liefde
Sue ( Sterrenberg ) van der Merwe
In Desember 1985 het ons langs jou ingetrek. Ons wonderlike buurvrou het dadelik met 'n botteltjie konfyt kom kennismaak. So het 'n wonderlike 40 jaar lange vriendskap ontwikkel waarin ons saam baie lief en leed gedeel het. Vir jou was niks te veel moeite nie en jy het altyd reggestaan om ander te help. Dit was daarom vir my 'n groot voorreg om jou by te staan die laaste jaar of 2 toe uitdagings jou in die oë gestaar het. Dankie dat ek jou altyd kon opbeur en ons 2 weke voor jou afsterwe nog lekker kon saam lag oor onbenullighede. Jou vrolikheid het my geïnspireer. Ek gaan ons kuiers mis. Dans en jubel lekker sonder pyn. Tot ons weer sien.
You were a lovely , kind hearted lady . Both your little girls Heidi and Chloe will be loved like you would have wanted it xx
Katzie was one of the most sincere, selfless, generous and caring human beings I've ever known. Nothing was ever too much trouble for her and she was always ready to offer support or advice.
She leaves a legacy of love and kindness and will be remembered with great fondness.
RIP my dear friend.
Requiescat in pace.8
I also felt a great sense of pride in Edie. Not only because of her academic achievements and the respect she garnered from colleagues and neighbours, but also because of the positive impact she had on dance & movement communities through her research into historic dance expressions in South Africa.
Edie was also selfless, often spending days and nights over weeks helping and editing the theses of students who sought her assistance, frequently offering them praise and high commendations.
I fondly remember our family Christmas gatherings, with a feast of diverse foods and the exchanging of gifts. Not only on these occasions, but also throughout the year, Edie would give us gifts—often far more than she reasonably should have.
We'll miss you Edie. Enjoy pain free dancing in heaven. See you in a little while.
I remember standing in her warm kitchen, mixing huge bowls of red cooldrink with her, feeling so grown up as she let me help. And of course, there was that unforgettable moment when, at the age of five, she dressed me in drag for the first time—her eyes twinkling with mischief. It was quintessentially Edie: creative, bold, and full of delight in encouraging others to explore and express themselves.
Thank you Edie, may you rest in peace.
Service
Donate to Poodle Rescue
Poodle Rescue South Africa Non Profit Company 2022/493537/08
Capitec Business Account
Acc- 1052498272
Your generous donation will serve as a meaningful tribute, perpetuating the spirit of Edith by supporting a meaningful cause.
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