Our Departed

Christina - Brazil

"The few days we spent together were enough for me to realise that happiness is made of love and simplicity. Stephanie touched me by the way she dealt with the children, family and people around her. She deserved the happiness she was allowed while on earth, and you may be proud of yourself for being part of it"

Kate Jones

"It has been such a privilege to know Steph and to share these years with you both. I have been left with so many special and happy memories. Steph's strength of character; has beliefs, her humour, were so strong and so full of life - it is so hard to take it in that she's gone. But she has left behind an enormous amount of love; three beautiful children and an immeasurable amount of happiness for so many.

My first image of Steph, is always of her laughing - & I hold that in my heart."

Ann Snell

"I will always remember Stephanie as a beautiful, vibrant person, who made the most of her life."

Louise John Sydney and Alice (Tor Rash)

Stephanie

Stephanie, with you there were no half measures. When William wanted attention, you danced for him. When you returned from your month's grocery shopping , with Edward eventually restrained in the grocery trolley, you regaled us with the story of his revenge - dropping eggs one by one onto the supermarket floor. Anna recently displayed your own characteristics. Looking up from her concentrated game, she opened her mouth wide, and shook in silent laughter at some profane adult remark, indicating her mother's instant rapport with those around her.

Stephanie, your love knew no bounds. Regardless of company, you flaunted romance around Peter. You love and support for him was ubiquitous, and you enjoined everyone to celebrate this with you.

Stephanie, you dared responses from us all through your honesty and forthrightness. We noticed you, and in doing so we noticed ourselves and were enthralled by your frank challenge to be equally transparent. You provoked, and elicited the best in us. You touched us all, and left us with lasting impressions.

Stephanie, we loved you dearly. We appreciated you as one of the most wonderfully outrageous and audacious people we have ever known. We remember you as unique and scintillating, and we rejoice forever in having been your friends."

Jenny Appleton

" I feel privileged to have known you all and Steph. She is someone I deeply admired. Someone that made me see that, maybe, my two goals in life aren't mutually exclusive, to have a close family, and work in rural Africa. If only I can, someday, do even half as good a job as she di, I will feel I have succeeded."

Ann Marie Connolly

"Nongoma for me was a time of peace and tranquility making good new friends. It was also laughter, stimulation, debate and enjoyment over cups of tea, meals or just hanging out in the office with Steph. My abiding memories are of her laughter, energy, warmth and lively intelligence as well as the hospitality that both of you offered me in your home. You of all people know what an amazing woman she was."

Ken and Linda Kaufman

"We are thankful for the privilege of knowing you and Stephanie. God has used you in many ways that you were unaware."

David , Lindiwe and Brendan

"Stephanie's love touched so many and she will always be an inspiration to live life with a smile"

Emma and Dave (Mc Burtles :)

" I have so many amazing memories of dear Stephanie - that laugh, so much fun; her clarity and high standards in all that she did; her warm hospitality at all times; her support for us, and everyone else; her belief and faith were an example to us all. I have so many vivid memories - sitting in the office, sitting under the tree, stephanie in your enormous tent and Stephanie laughing and laughing. She has brought an enormous amount to our lives, even though we only new her for a few short years, and for that I am eternally grateful. She will always hold a special place in our hearts, as you will."

Hildegarde and Wynand

"Stephanie was an inspiration to us, so vibrant and free. She's one of those people who touch you life and leaves a special impression behind.

She will be fondly remembered and sadly missed"

Mairwen ( Large nee Martin)

"- the smile with which I will always remember her - welcoming, friendly and always a joy to be with, someone who could make even the most inhibited feel relaxed by her sheer vitality and force of personality"

Eddie Blum

"She was a very special person, a wonderful friend and I know a fantastic wife and mother. We will all miss her"

Cis and George Chapman

"- We can't think of Steph and stay sad for long though because she was such a fun lady. One of our favorite memories is of her on your wedding day. She looked so beutiful and elegant as if she'd stepped out of a glossy magazine. Then after all the formalities over she kicked off her shoes, hitched up her dress and jumped on the bouncy castle! Only Steph could have done it. It was a real privilege and JOY to have known her."

Helen (Ratbag) Golton 22nd May 2001

"I spoke to many people on the day of the funeral and each remarked on Steph's ability to gather people to her as she met them during the course of her life. Tim, Eddie Blum and I all felt that she would have been an irreverent old lady and thought that we would grow old together. Maggie and I can look around our houses and see several things that Steph gave us over the past 21 years. She so enjoyed giving gifts to people"

Nick and Becky

"Steph was such a bubbly person that I admired in so many ways. My memories of her are cherished. Its rather an inappropriate expression; but I always considered her so full of life."

Martin Billington

"All I can say is that it was a privilege to have met Steph. She was wonderful, loving, caring and, can I say, life affirming person. Knowing her (and you of course) in Nongoma made my life there so much fun and rich in experience and also so supported. When I think of her now the first thing I do is smile."

Susy (Stirling) 30th May 2001
"I have strong and wonderful memories of my time in Nongoma - her warmth, hospitality and fantastic smile and sense of humour. What amazing energy and vitality she had, as well as an ability to give of herself to those around her. I shall treasure these memories."

Anna Latham 19th June 2001

"When I think of her, I think of someone who lived life to the full. She was so fully alive in the present, giving of herself continually, her skills her talents, her humour, her compassion, her intelligence, her insights, her joy, her generosity - she was so generous and kind with an inexhaustible energy and love, and she always made me laugh and feel happy. And even now I imagine her having crossed the threshold into heaven still

Arabella 22nd June

" I have a very big place in my heart for Stephanie. She is such a special person, someone I instantly liked and wanted to become buddies with. "

Rebecca Scott

Knowing Stephanie

I've never known someone so close
be taken from this world in such a tragic way;
I've never known someone so alive
have this life drawn to a close
so unexpectedly;
I've never known someone so beautiful
leave behind such a beautiful, fragile family.

I can't dwell on the why, it pains my heart.
And God, in his graciousness, doesn't try to give me an answer;
not now, not yet.
He hears my cries, shares my pain,
Offers me His motherly embrace,
And gently shows me that He is still God.

And yet, I have known a woman of beauty.
I have known her who lived life;
I have shared in Stephanie's days,
Those of joy and those of pain;
And those that were simply to be lived and enjoyed
In shared company.

The first memory of her - kissing her beloved
On a stairway.
She made an impact
From that moment on.
Other memories flood in , it's hard to extract one from the many.
Together they form a collective memory;
Vibrant, colourful, reassuring.

She wiggled in her wedding dress as you stood
Together before the alter
An invitation for us all to relax, share in her joy
And expect the unexpected.
I loved her for that.

So many other memories.
Talking on the veranda, under the fig tree, in the kitchen.
Tea and flapjack. Children playing.
Relaxing in hot springs, swimming in seas,
viewing game, enjoying good meals;
oh, the numerous shared meals!
Stephanie's wonderful experimenting with recipes
warm company, stimulating conversations.
The moment she knew what she hoped for -
that William would be born into this world.
And, in the tougher moments -
loved ones lost, security shaken, fears acknowledged,
shared pain and mixed tears.
A true friend.

She greeted my arrivals with open arms
open smile, open heart;
at airports, train stations, coach stations;
always a joy to encounter,
a coming home.
Partings were heartfelt, yet strong;
with the reassurance that I was loved, missed -
and we would meet again.

I have known Stephanie for who she was;
for that I rejoice and in that I find solace.
I know her for who she remains, for me,
in my remaining days.
(God help me make them all count for something)
And I will hear her again.
Her laughter melting into the song of angels,
and I will know her again.

Last update: Tuesday, 11 September 2007

Published in : Memorials,

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