Renate van Zyl
What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.
Obituary
In Loving Memory of Renate van Zyl
22 April 1942 – 6 March 2025
It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Renate van Zyl, a beloved mother, wife and dear friend to many. Renate passed away peacefully on 6 March 2025, leaving behind a legacy of love, kindness, and dedication.
A devoted and proud educator, Renate spent decades shaping young minds, leaving a lasting impact on generations of students. Her passion for teaching and unwavering belief in the potential of every child earned her the admiration of colleagues, students, and parents alike. She was more than a teacher—she was a mentor, an inspiration, and a guiding light to those fortunate enough to learn from her.
Beyond the classroom, Renate was cherished by her family and friends, always offering warmth, wisdom, and support. Her generosity of spirit and gentle strength will be deeply missed by all who knew her.
She is survived by her loving family, who will forever hold her in their hearts.
“To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die.”
We invite you to share photos and memories on this page.
Love,
Hannes van Zyl, Lucette van Zyl & Chantal Trollip.
Celebration of Life
On behalf of Lucette, Hannes and myself, I would like to welcome you all today.
My mom did not want a funeral, yet reflecting over the last week, we wanted to come together & celebrate Mom’s life & share some special memories.
Today, we want to celebrate and remember. We invite anyone today, to share any memories they have of my mom over the course of the morning.
Mom loved flowers, and her home was always filled with them. We have brought some of her favourite vases with us today and invite anyone to take one home. Fill them with flowers & plants, just as Mom would have done.
I will keep this short. As I would not want to embarrass my mom, with my poor grammar & substandard articulation. As Mom fondly reminded me often over the years, ‘’I am definitely not phonic & did not inherit the language gene’’, which Lucette for sure did. I have a few memories (maybe not fond ones), of Lucette & Mom breaking out in laughter over not something I said, but rather how I had said it! 😊
I did want to share a quite recent memory with you. I last visited South Arica in June/July last year. On the day I was flying back home to the UK, we came here, for one final lunch. She really wanted to come here, as she had been here a few weeks earlier with I suspect some of you and had shared with me that it was a lovely outing. In the parking lot, as we arrived, I realised that I was wearing my dress back to front, and without a second thought, I proceeded to correct my dress… in the parking lot. Mom was horrified! And I am sure knowing my mother, you all know why… what an un lady-like thing to do! 😊.
I wanted to thank all of you for being here today. You have all been fantastic over the last week. From sending messages, cooking for us, checking in on us & helping to arrange today’s event.
From my side, I do want to thank a few incredibly special people –
- Danielle, my daughter, who has helped us immensely over the last week. From fetching both Lucette & I at the airport, cooking for us & keeping us hydrated those last few days in the hospital. With exception of her pointing out my first grey hair the other night, she has been an absolute amazing human!
- Renee. You are my best friend, and 6 years of living in different countries has not changed that. Your love, support & prayers mean the world to me, and more so than I think you realise.
- Danie, thank you for looking after my dad over the last week & especially fetching him at the hospital after my mom passed.
- Willie, a close friend of Lucette's. thank you for your kindness & checking up on her & me over the last week. You have become a friend to me, over the last week.
- The Bouwer family, and especially Faye, who took much of the burden of arranging today off our shoulders.
I want to end with a quote. As I was sifting through my mom’s memory boxes, I came across this quote –
‘’IN ANY MOMENT OF DECISION THE BESTHTINGYOU CAN DO ITH THE RIGHT THIN, THE NEXT BEST THING IS THE WONG THING, AND THE WORST THING YOU CAN DO IS NOTHING’’ – Theodore Roosevelt.
And it just made me realise how much of Mom is engrained in me. I cannot recall how often I have told my team at work ‘’that it does not matter what decision you make, as long as you make one’’.
THANK YOU, Mom, for being a big part of shaping me into the wife, mother, daughter, sister, friend, woman, and leader I am today.
- Chantal Trollip
Gallery
Memory wall
Post your condolences or share your Memories.
March 15, 2025
Alas, in the twinkle of an eye, the company of my Beloved, has come to an end.
I had not yet seen the face of the flower to my heart's content, and the spring is over.
I had not yet seen the face of the flower to my heart's content, and the spring is over.
March 9, 2025
1
Mamma, danke, dass du mir eine glückliche und stabile Kindheit geschenkt hast. Ich habe so viele schöne Erinnerungen aus meiner Kindheit, von unserem gemeinsamen Einkaufen in Brooklyn Mall bis zu unseren Ferien in Marina Beach. Meine lebendigste Erinnerung an meine Kindheit ist, wie du mit mir auf dem Sofa gesessen und mir bei der schriftlichen Division geholfen hast. Du hast einen großen Anteil daran, wer ich heute bin, und dafür bin ich dir ewig dankbar. Ich habe dich geliebt und geschätzt, mehr als ich dir im Laufe der Jahre wahrscheinlich gesagt habe. Ich wünschte, wir hätten mehr Zeit miteinander verbringen können, besonders seit ich ins Ausland gezogen bin, und es macht mich traurig, dass du mich in meinem neuen Heimatland nie besuchen konntest. Ich liebe dich. Chantal.
***
Mamma, thank you for giving me a happy and stable childhood. I have so many happy memories as a child, from us shopping together at Brooklyn Mall, to going on holiday in Marina Beach. My most vivid memory of us as a child is you sitting on the coach with me, helping me with long division. You played a big part in the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful. I loved you and appreciated you more than I probably expressed to you over the years. I wish we had been able to spend more time together, especially since I moved abroad, and it saddens me that you never got to visit me in my new home country. I love you. Chantal
***
Mamma, thank you for giving me a happy and stable childhood. I have so many happy memories as a child, from us shopping together at Brooklyn Mall, to going on holiday in Marina Beach. My most vivid memory of us as a child is you sitting on the coach with me, helping me with long division. You played a big part in the person I am today, and for that, I am forever grateful. I loved you and appreciated you more than I probably expressed to you over the years. I wish we had been able to spend more time together, especially since I moved abroad, and it saddens me that you never got to visit me in my new home country. I love you. Chantal
April 7, 2025
Mrs van Zyl taught me English in gr 11 and matric. I will always remember her mannerisms and her humour. Condolences 💐 to family and friends she left behind. Rest in peace
April 7, 2025
Lovely memories of a wonderful colleague. Rest in peace. Wishing her loved ones God's peace and comfort. 💐
April 7, 2025
🥺 Huge gratitude and fond and warm memories are coming up when looking at her kind face (with a touch of underlying playfulness) 🌸 Heartfelt condolences to her family and friends 🙏🏼🌟
April 7, 2025
Mrs. van Zyl was a wonderful teacher and made a big impact. I always looked forward to her classes. She inspired an appreciation for reading fiction and poetry. Condolences to her family 💙.
April 7, 2025
Dearest Renate. I will always remember the lengthy conversation we had at the table. I new I could go to you at any time and talk to you about almost anything. Your warmth, and humor towards solving situations always intrigued me. Rest well my dear friend. You will never be forgotten
April 7, 2025
Such a beautiful soul that taught the queen's language eloquently and par excellence. MHSRIEP
April 7, 2025
Rest in peace Mrs van Zyl. Thank you for your many years of devotion to your students. 🤍🤍🤍🤍🤍
April 7, 2025
Incredible warm memories come to mind when I think of Frau van Zyl, even after having finished Matrik over 30 years ago.
Rest in peace and know that you have enriched the lives of many 💗
Rest in peace and know that you have enriched the lives of many 💗
April 7, 2025
So sorry for your loss Chantal. Your mom was an amazing woman. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. ❤️
April 7, 2025
Sincere condolences. She was the most inspirational teacher I ever had. I am sure she will be very fondly remembered by all the many students she touched. Will keep your family in our prayers.
March 15, 2025
Mein herzliches Beileid!
Auch für mich war Mrs van Zyl die absolute Lieblingslehrerin und so viel mehr! Die Nachmittage mit ihr und den anderen Shakespeare sisters waren wertvoll und prägend!! Als ich Anfang des Matrikjahres nach Deutschland gezogen bin, haben wir uns Briefe geschrieben, die ich bis heute aufbewahrt habe und in den letzten Tage wieder gelesen habe. Sie wird immer einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen haben.
Ich wünsche euch als Familie viel Trost und Kraft in dieser Zeit!
Auch für mich war Mrs van Zyl die absolute Lieblingslehrerin und so viel mehr! Die Nachmittage mit ihr und den anderen Shakespeare sisters waren wertvoll und prägend!! Als ich Anfang des Matrikjahres nach Deutschland gezogen bin, haben wir uns Briefe geschrieben, die ich bis heute aufbewahrt habe und in den letzten Tage wieder gelesen habe. Sie wird immer einen besonderen Platz in meinem Herzen haben.
Ich wünsche euch als Familie viel Trost und Kraft in dieser Zeit!
March 14, 2025
Liebe Lucette und liebe Chantal
Unser herzlichstes Beileid für Euren Verlust. Wir haben Tante Renate so schön in Erinnerung- das beste Frühstück Haferflocken mit Rosinen…Matheaufgaben beim Buswarten und weil sie immer da war wenn wir sie brauchten. Leider haben wir uns über die Jahre verloren, aber ich kann mich noch sehr gut an das Haus erinnern und wie schön Renate es immer gemacht hat.Fühlt euch beide ganz fest umarmt, die Mama war eine sehr tolle Frau! Haltet zusammen das würde die Mama wollen. Denken an Euch Natalie, Löcke- Dagmar und Peter Salota 💔💔💔😥😔
Unser herzlichstes Beileid für Euren Verlust. Wir haben Tante Renate so schön in Erinnerung- das beste Frühstück Haferflocken mit Rosinen…Matheaufgaben beim Buswarten und weil sie immer da war wenn wir sie brauchten. Leider haben wir uns über die Jahre verloren, aber ich kann mich noch sehr gut an das Haus erinnern und wie schön Renate es immer gemacht hat.Fühlt euch beide ganz fest umarmt, die Mama war eine sehr tolle Frau! Haltet zusammen das würde die Mama wollen. Denken an Euch Natalie, Löcke- Dagmar und Peter Salota 💔💔💔😥😔
March 14, 2025
Dear dear Mrs Van Zyl,
My deepest sympathy for Chantal and the family.
Like many of the contributions below, her unequalled enthusiasm and passion for the refined depth and intricacies of the English language touched me too as her student, and strongly influenced me in my career choice. Her authenticity of keen interest for both the literature and language as well as the human beings she was sharing this passion with was phenomenal. She saw and heard us all with an open heart, and dared to greet every new idea with a smile and a cheeky sparkle of the eye before questioning the motives and details - gently but decidedly. No comment would go unnoticed, but it always seemed she took a moment to reflect deeply and sincerely before replying.
I think our “Shakespeare Sisters” evolved from a passion ignited after many sessions practising with her and Mrs Stolp for English Olympiad in their so generously donated free time. What dedication!
I remember an occasion where we Shakespeare Sisters went I believe to the Tram Shed together to watch a movie with Brad Pitt, and a subsequent round of coffees where, while admiring Pitt’s acting talent, she so amusingly expressed her lack of understanding for his attractiveness as a man (due to his “baby face”)… I shared her preference for the likes of Richard Gere…
This was what set her apart - she was so real and honest and true to herself in her opinions, all the while so open, caring and accepting of all in every scenario.
I also had coffees with her in passing through Pretoria in later years, and it was always so refreshing and uplifting to catch up. And I also still have a collection of yellowed paper keepsakes from her lessons - little texts that went deep and meant so much.
I feel honoured to have met this special lady, and grateful to have been touched by her in my life during the vulnerable growing years where lives take direction.
What a legend, that will most certainly live on in all our memories.
My deepest sympathy for Chantal and the family.
Like many of the contributions below, her unequalled enthusiasm and passion for the refined depth and intricacies of the English language touched me too as her student, and strongly influenced me in my career choice. Her authenticity of keen interest for both the literature and language as well as the human beings she was sharing this passion with was phenomenal. She saw and heard us all with an open heart, and dared to greet every new idea with a smile and a cheeky sparkle of the eye before questioning the motives and details - gently but decidedly. No comment would go unnoticed, but it always seemed she took a moment to reflect deeply and sincerely before replying.
I think our “Shakespeare Sisters” evolved from a passion ignited after many sessions practising with her and Mrs Stolp for English Olympiad in their so generously donated free time. What dedication!
I remember an occasion where we Shakespeare Sisters went I believe to the Tram Shed together to watch a movie with Brad Pitt, and a subsequent round of coffees where, while admiring Pitt’s acting talent, she so amusingly expressed her lack of understanding for his attractiveness as a man (due to his “baby face”)… I shared her preference for the likes of Richard Gere…
This was what set her apart - she was so real and honest and true to herself in her opinions, all the while so open, caring and accepting of all in every scenario.
I also had coffees with her in passing through Pretoria in later years, and it was always so refreshing and uplifting to catch up. And I also still have a collection of yellowed paper keepsakes from her lessons - little texts that went deep and meant so much.
I feel honoured to have met this special lady, and grateful to have been touched by her in my life during the vulnerable growing years where lives take direction.
What a legend, that will most certainly live on in all our memories.
March 14, 2025
I was fortunate to have Frau van Zyl as my English teacher during my high school years in the 1980s. Her infectious love for the language, its literature, and poetry left a lasting impression on me, while her forthright nature taught me to see criticism not as an offense but as an opportunity to learn. I have fond and vivid memories of her classes, which were more than just lessons — she often sparked lively discussions on a wide range of topics, making learning an engaging and dynamic experience.
March 13, 2025
Renate was altyd ń dame vir wie ek so baie respek gehad het, sy was altyd ń ware vriendin
RIP
Ada
RIP
Ada
March 13, 2025
Dearest Hannes, Chantal and Lucette.
I am heartbroken for the passing of your beloved wife and mother. I know how much she meant to each of you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this painful loss. I will forever be thankful to her for raising and shaping my wife into the wonderful person she is today. I feel privileged to have known her. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you've shared with her, and may those memories bring you peace in the days ahead. I wish I was there to help ease your burden.
Love,
Johann Trollip
I am heartbroken for the passing of your beloved wife and mother. I know how much she meant to each of you, and my thoughts and prayers are with you as you navigate this painful loss. I will forever be thankful to her for raising and shaping my wife into the wonderful person she is today. I feel privileged to have known her. May you find comfort in the cherished memories you've shared with her, and may those memories bring you peace in the days ahead. I wish I was there to help ease your burden.
Love,
Johann Trollip
March 13, 2025
1
In Loving Memory of Mrs. van Zyl
To a teacher who was more than just an educator, but a beacon of hope and inspiration. Mrs. van Zyl, you saw potential in each of your students, especially when we struggled to see it in ourselves.
In my darkest hour, when I lost interest in school after my father's sudden passing, you were there. You encouraged me, guided me, and helped me find my way back. For that, I am eternally grateful.
You had a unique way of making your students feel seen and understood.
I will never forget the day you told our class, during our matric year, that you planned on retiring the next year. The whole class was filled with sadness and upset. You simply smiled and asked us why, reminding us that we wouldn't be there the next year. I think that says it all—you were such a great teacher that the thought of you leaving the school felt like an immense loss. No one could ever replace you.
Rest in peace, Mrs. van Zyl. May your soul find comfort and joy in the knowledge that you have made a difference, that you have inspired, and that you are dearly missed. Should we meet again one day, I promise to tell you just how much your support meant to me.
Thank you for being the teacher every student dreams of having. Your legacy lives on in each of us.
To a teacher who was more than just an educator, but a beacon of hope and inspiration. Mrs. van Zyl, you saw potential in each of your students, especially when we struggled to see it in ourselves.
In my darkest hour, when I lost interest in school after my father's sudden passing, you were there. You encouraged me, guided me, and helped me find my way back. For that, I am eternally grateful.
You had a unique way of making your students feel seen and understood.
I will never forget the day you told our class, during our matric year, that you planned on retiring the next year. The whole class was filled with sadness and upset. You simply smiled and asked us why, reminding us that we wouldn't be there the next year. I think that says it all—you were such a great teacher that the thought of you leaving the school felt like an immense loss. No one could ever replace you.
Rest in peace, Mrs. van Zyl. May your soul find comfort and joy in the knowledge that you have made a difference, that you have inspired, and that you are dearly missed. Should we meet again one day, I promise to tell you just how much your support meant to me.
Thank you for being the teacher every student dreams of having. Your legacy lives on in each of us.
March 12, 2025
Mit tiefer Traurigkeit, habe ich den schweren Verlust zur Kenntnis genommen.
Als ich mit meiner Familie 2014 in Südafrika war, hat mich Renate mit durch die 14 Monate getragen. Sie hat mich Englisch unterrichtet und dabei sind wir Freundinnen geworden. Bis zu ihrem Ableben, hatten wir Kontakt. Im Oktober 2024 habe ich Renate noch in Südafrika gesehen. Dafür bin ich unendlich dankbar. Ich werde sie nie vergessen. Sie war ein so herzlicher, humorvoller und toller Mensch.
Renate....du bist für immer in meinem Herzen ❤️
Birgit, Georgios und Jannis
Als ich mit meiner Familie 2014 in Südafrika war, hat mich Renate mit durch die 14 Monate getragen. Sie hat mich Englisch unterrichtet und dabei sind wir Freundinnen geworden. Bis zu ihrem Ableben, hatten wir Kontakt. Im Oktober 2024 habe ich Renate noch in Südafrika gesehen. Dafür bin ich unendlich dankbar. Ich werde sie nie vergessen. Sie war ein so herzlicher, humorvoller und toller Mensch.
Renate....du bist für immer in meinem Herzen ❤️
Birgit, Georgios und Jannis
March 12, 2025
Dear Lucette and Chantal It is with Sorrow about the Passing of your Mom Mrs van zyl was my Rock during the time when I was raising my Children she take a part to help me we didn't' forget each other we use to drink coffee together Mrs van zyl was a smiling Person I will never forget we drink coffee together last year the 30th of November
Rest in peace my deepest condolences to all the family Mita Manabe/
Rose and Martha Johannah s Children
Rest in peace my deepest condolences to all the family Mita Manabe/
Rose and Martha Johannah s Children
March 11, 2025
1
Mrs. Van Zyl taught me you don't have to be loud, to be heard. She was my English teacher for four years in high school, and I know I wasn't always the easiest, but she saw past the teen bravado. She taught me to really love reading books, and to always look deeper. We got so into her classes that a group of us asked if she could give us an extra lesson once a week after school. We called ourselves The Shakespeare Sisters, and we read books, not for extra credit, but because we loved discussing the themes with each other, guided by Mrs. Van Zyl.
She was also just quietly cool. While I was at university, I came back to Pretoria and we went out for coffee. She was one of the first people I told that I was gay. And of course she was more than accepting, because she was actually ahead of her time.
Mrs. Van Zyl, you were not just my favourite teacher, you were the best teacher I ever had, and you had a lasting impact on my life.
She was also just quietly cool. While I was at university, I came back to Pretoria and we went out for coffee. She was one of the first people I told that I was gay. And of course she was more than accepting, because she was actually ahead of her time.
Mrs. Van Zyl, you were not just my favourite teacher, you were the best teacher I ever had, and you had a lasting impact on my life.
March 11, 2025
Chantal, so sorry for your loss. Whilst I never met your mom, from reading her obituary she sounds like an incredible woman! My deepest condolences.
March 10, 2025
1
I am so very deeply shocked and saddened by this news . 😞. Rest well Renata,you were a great ,proud and kind lady who will be sorly missed. My deepest sympathy to Chantal and family🙏🤗
March 10, 2025
1
Dear Hannes and family, my condolences on your sad loss. I was priveledged to meet Renate at Gloria and Gordon’s home. We had so much fun together. The greatest was at Barbie and David’s wedding. I have never seen Renate laugh as she did that night. We had many more good laughs after that. May she rest in peace. Sending loads of love and Blessings to you all.
March 10, 2025
2
I was one of the many learners privileged to have been taught English by Renate van Zyl. She instilled in me a deep love for languages, a passion for perfection of expression and a curiosity to dig deep in texts. This greatly contributed to my career choice: translator and interpreter. Whenever I coincidentally met her many years later I was touched by her keen interest and encouragement. May she rest in peace and may you as her family be comforted in this time of bidding farewell!
March 10, 2025
1
Dear Chantal, my heartfelt condolences to you and your family on the passing of your dearest mother! I am so sad with you for your tremendous loss! I admire Renate for her gracefulness, remembrance and interest she showed towards every scholar she taught at the Deutsche Schule Pretoria, including my son , Adrian. We would bump into each other for many years at Glenfair Mall after her retirement and lately shared some wonderful times at the same hairdresser, where we could catch up with a good chinwag. I am so sorry we couldn’t have spent some more time together beyond. I will always remember her as a loving person with so much integrity, compassion, kindness “woven into many lives”.
I can see her smiling and saying this peaceful passing, is what I wish for. May she RIP.
Much love
Anne-Lore Bramley
I can see her smiling and saying this peaceful passing, is what I wish for. May she RIP.
Much love
Anne-Lore Bramley
March 10, 2025
1
Renate en ek het mekaar vir die eerste keer in Standerd 6 ontmoet, by die Hoërskool Bergpark. Ons het in dieselfde klas, langs mekaar op dieselfde skoolbank gesit. Ons was ongeveer 12 jaar oud. Die tipe vakke wat ons geneem het, het beteken dat ons dikwels die enigste twee meisies tussen al die seuns was. Ons het saam Duits, Engels, Afrikaans en Skeinat as vakakke geneem en was daarom dikwels die enigste twee meisies tussen die seuns. Na skool is ons saam Universiteit toe en het soortgelyke kursusse gevolg. behalwe dat sy Sielkunde geneem het en ek Biologie. Ons het ook saam ons graad en diploma by die Normaal Kollege behaal.
Ek en Renate was feitlik elke dag saam en het nooit stry gekry nie. Saans het ek en sy saam studeer, aangesien ons elkeen drie stapels boeke moes bemeester. Ons het saam gewerk aan Engels, Afrikaans en Duits, en saam op 'n bustoer na die see gegaan.
Renate was ook my strooimeise. Nadat ek getroud is, het ons saam poste in Vanderbijlpark gekry. Sy het by haar skool gewerk en ek by die Transvaalse Onderwysdepartement gewerk. Ook daar was ons vir 'n paar jaar, feitlik elke dag saam.
Nadat ek getroud is, het ek saam met my man Oos-Kaap toe getrek en sy het in Pretoria gaan bly saam met haar man. As gevolg van werk, kinders en die gewone verloop van die lewe het ons al minder kontak met mekaar gehad. Ek het egter nooit weer 'n vriendin gehad wat so naby aan my was nie. Iemand in wie ek soveel vertroue gehad het, by wie ek soveel geleer het en vir wie ek so lief was nie. Ek is stukkend oor haar heengaan. Ek sal haar eendag weer in die hiernamels sien.
Ek en Renate was feitlik elke dag saam en het nooit stry gekry nie. Saans het ek en sy saam studeer, aangesien ons elkeen drie stapels boeke moes bemeester. Ons het saam gewerk aan Engels, Afrikaans en Duits, en saam op 'n bustoer na die see gegaan.
Renate was ook my strooimeise. Nadat ek getroud is, het ons saam poste in Vanderbijlpark gekry. Sy het by haar skool gewerk en ek by die Transvaalse Onderwysdepartement gewerk. Ook daar was ons vir 'n paar jaar, feitlik elke dag saam.
Nadat ek getroud is, het ek saam met my man Oos-Kaap toe getrek en sy het in Pretoria gaan bly saam met haar man. As gevolg van werk, kinders en die gewone verloop van die lewe het ons al minder kontak met mekaar gehad. Ek het egter nooit weer 'n vriendin gehad wat so naby aan my was nie. Iemand in wie ek soveel vertroue gehad het, by wie ek soveel geleer het en vir wie ek so lief was nie. Ek is stukkend oor haar heengaan. Ek sal haar eendag weer in die hiernamels sien.
March 10, 2025
3
Hi Chantal - we never got a chance to meet your wonderful mom, but we are deeply grateful for the strength, kindness and empathy she has passed down to you. Her teachings have not only shaped a wonderful leader in you, but also created a ripple effect that touches each member of our team.
March 10, 2025
1
Met die heengaan van Renate, het ek afskeid geneem van 'n vriendin van 60 jaar! Lief en leed het ons intens saam beleef! Haar intensiteit was maar een van die verskeie karaktereienskappe wat ek in ons vriendskap geniet en waardeer het. Ek het enorme rspek vir haar onkreukbare karakter en integriteit!.
Ek groet jou met rus in vrede en nie vaarwel, want jy leef voort in my hart en gedagtes. Ek sal jou nogsteeds gaan opsoek op elke plek waar ons kuiers altyd diep en sinvol was.
Jou ongelooflike nalatenskap eer ek vir altyd.
My innigste simpatie en meelewing gaan na elkeen wat haar lief het.
Ek groet jou met rus in vrede en nie vaarwel, want jy leef voort in my hart en gedagtes. Ek sal jou nogsteeds gaan opsoek op elke plek waar ons kuiers altyd diep en sinvol was.
Jou ongelooflike nalatenskap eer ek vir altyd.
My innigste simpatie en meelewing gaan na elkeen wat haar lief het.
March 9, 2025
1
The best thing that happened when I left the DSP was the friendship with you and Annette. It will treasure that forever.
March 9, 2025
1
My deepest condolences to you, Chantal, and your family. May your beautiful mom’s soul rest in eternal peace. She raised such an incredible woman, and her legacy will live on through you.
March 9, 2025
1
My innige simpatie aan Hannes, Lucette, Chantal en gesin. Renate laat 'n leemte wat nie gevul kan word nie. Nooit was 'n geselsie met haar vervelig nie - sy kon altyd die perfekte woorde kry om 'n gebeurtenis te beskryf of om haar mening oor iets oor te dra. Ek is dankbaar ek kon haar ken en sal haar so mis.
March 9, 2025
1
Van Zyl familie, ons innige en diepe meegevoel met Renate se afsterwe
Mag die mooi herinneringe aan haar jul troos in hierdie moeilike tyd van rou
Liefdegroete Lehmkuhls ( Renate was jare gelede ons bure en baie goeie vriende in Kroonstad)
Mag die mooi herinneringe aan haar jul troos in hierdie moeilike tyd van rou
Liefdegroete Lehmkuhls ( Renate was jare gelede ons bure en baie goeie vriende in Kroonstad)
March 9, 2025
1
Sincere condolences,Chantal and Lucette, to you and your family. Your mom was the most inspirational teacher I ever had. I am sure she will be very fondly remembered by all the many students she touched. She was a constant in our teen years all the way to Matric and we were so lucky to have her. Will keep your family in our prayers.
March 9, 2025
3
Ach tut uns sehr leid unser herzlichstes Beileid. Der Tod ist nicht das Ende, nicht die Vergänglichkeit, der Tod ist nur die Wende, der Beginn der Ewigkeit .
Renate hat mir bei meinem Zusatz Studium so sehr geholfen, sie hat all meine assignments korrigiert und mir immer Mut gemacht, wenn ich an meinen Englisch Kenntnissen gezweifelt habe. Mit ihrer Hilfe habe ich mit Summa cum laude mein diploma für Grundschullehrerin in Südafrika abgeschlossen. Ich hab ihr so viel zu verdanken und danach haben wir eine schöne Freundschaft gepflegt. Ich werde Renate sehr vermissen.
Renate hat mir bei meinem Zusatz Studium so sehr geholfen, sie hat all meine assignments korrigiert und mir immer Mut gemacht, wenn ich an meinen Englisch Kenntnissen gezweifelt habe. Mit ihrer Hilfe habe ich mit Summa cum laude mein diploma für Grundschullehrerin in Südafrika abgeschlossen. Ich hab ihr so viel zu verdanken und danach haben wir eine schöne Freundschaft gepflegt. Ich werde Renate sehr vermissen.
March 9, 2025
1
My heartfelt condolences to Hannes Lucette, Chantal and family.
I am grateful to have had Renate in my life for many years. I will miss our lovely chats and will also miss her dearly.
I am grateful to have had Renate in my life for many years. I will miss our lovely chats and will also miss her dearly.
March 9, 2025
1
Our deepest condolences to Hannes, Lucette and Chantal on your loss of Renate, a special lady who will be sorely missed. Danie and Sandy
March 9, 2025
1
Renate Ria and I used to have get-togethers and at one of them, Renate expressed her wish to know more about AI and its usefulness. Needless to say, she was gobsmacked when, within seconds, I showed her a sonnet, courtesy of ChatGPT. She loved it! Some time later she confessed that what she really loved was the nostalgia it evoked.
Extract from “Sonnet for Renate and Ria”.
“Today we sit, our cups and stories shared
Recalling classrooms, children, wisdom learned.
The time we gave, the paths we all once dared
Remain as glowing embers, never burned.
And though we’ve left the classroom far behind,
I’m this dear company
Our hearts still bind.”
Rest in peace, Renate,
Annette Erasmus
Extract from “Sonnet for Renate and Ria”.
“Today we sit, our cups and stories shared
Recalling classrooms, children, wisdom learned.
The time we gave, the paths we all once dared
Remain as glowing embers, never burned.
And though we’ve left the classroom far behind,
I’m this dear company
Our hearts still bind.”
Rest in peace, Renate,
Annette Erasmus
March 9, 2025
1
Dear Renate and relatives,
I really enjoyed our tuition lessons and nice conversations together. Your kind, passionate character in combination with your wisdom really made them truly special. And even though you knew so much, you’d still ask me things that you could still learn from me. That shows, how humble you were. Stay such a nice person also where you are now. May the angels or God always keep you well.
Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.
I really enjoyed our tuition lessons and nice conversations together. Your kind, passionate character in combination with your wisdom really made them truly special. And even though you knew so much, you’d still ask me things that you could still learn from me. That shows, how humble you were. Stay such a nice person also where you are now. May the angels or God always keep you well.
Rest in peace, you will never be forgotten.
March 9, 2025
1
Dearest Chantal, my sincerest condolences for the passing of your mom. It was a very long time ago but I have good memories of her as my english teacher. She was stern but fair and kind. When I worked for the school years later, she was always friendly and I enjoyed talking to her when she would come by the admin building. She was one of a kind. I am sure you will all miss her dearly
March 9, 2025
1
Dear Chantal
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I haven’t seen your mom since our school days…but have many fond memories of those days. She was a very special lady.
My sincerest condolences to you and your family. I haven’t seen your mom since our school days…but have many fond memories of those days. She was a very special lady.
March 9, 2025
3
Our deepest sympathy to Hannes, Lucette, Chantal & Johann and grandchildren on the demise of your beloved Renate, wife, mother,grandmother and special friend to so many.
We were friends for over 50 years and she will be greatly missed by all our family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Lots of love to you all Gordon, Gloria, David and family😢🥰💔💔✝️
We were friends for over 50 years and she will be greatly missed by all our family.
You are all in our thoughts and prayers
Lots of love to you all Gordon, Gloria, David and family😢🥰💔💔✝️
March 9, 2025
2
My other mom… my heart is broken, but you’re at peace… flying with our angels. Lucette and Chantal, my thoughts and prayers are with you during this incredibly sad time… going to miss you my other mom xxx
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