A Memorial Service for our beloved Matriarch - Cecilia Jansen Erasmus

June was quite a month!

 A happy month and a heartsore month.

On Friday 21st June, we held a memorial service for our dear "Oumatjie" Cecilia Erasmus,

 our Mother, Ouma and Great Grandmother who had passed away on the 14th.

We were hosted by Park Care Centre who graciously allowed us the use 

of their lovely little Chapel in the Clivia Building.

 It was the perfect place to remember and celebrate Ouma's life and to bid her farewell.

 It was such a sweet, comforting, personal space that felt like home. 

Those in attendance (and those who were far away, but there in spirit)

 truly added to that beautiful spirit.

Liam conducted the entire meeting and he did his Ouma proud.

 Madison lead us in a special opening prayer

 and we heard a beautiful message shared by Kobus Myburgh (Ouma's nephew)

 - it was just so personal and beautiful,

as he shared verses from Romans 8 

and recalled that everyone he spoke to about Ouma, 

all had one main memory to share...

"She was ALWAYS THERE" - 

what a beautiful way to be remembered! 

Ouma was always there....for all of us....Old and young.

...lifting us up in her daily prayers.... always inquiring about each person...

..interested in our lives, always loving us.

We sang two beautiful songs "How Great Thou Art" and "Til We Meet Again"

 - I had the privilege of reading messages sent from Ouma's grandchildren who live abroad - 
Riaan in Ireland, Cherise in the DRC, Yolande in New Zealand,

 and concluded with a Litany of Memory.
Rina Fourie (Ouma's niece) closed our memorial service with a lovely and heartfelt prayer.

We joined in the Clivia Building lounge and on the outside deck for photographs and to feed lots of hungry tummies. 

Park Care staff had prepared tea and coffee for us,

 which we enjoyed with lots of yummy meat, pastry, and sandwich platters,

as well as cakes and tarts which family had provided.

(Above - Martin, Cathy and Nico - Cecilia's children)

(Below - the Erasmus siblings with Boet and Bets Jansen - Cecilia's brother and sister-in-law)

 It was lovely to share the food with some Park Care residents and cleaning staff. We enjoyed each other's company and spent time catching up and remembering Ouma and Oupa. 

(Above - Rochelle and JP Le Roux - Cecelia's grandchild and his wife)

  The weather was perfect and sunny and even one of the resident peacocks came by to visit us on the deck.

This truly was a family affair, with everyone helping and assisting to provide all that was needed, financially, emotionally and in preparation.

 We are so grateful for the love and prayers and assistance from family and friends, near and far.

 We love you.