Tributes to teacher who touched so many young lives
REN&HEYHS: 15.12.1955- 12.11.2020
My dearest Rene, you were my friend and colleague since 1992 and your passing came as a tremendous shock.
You leave a legacy of love behind, Rene. I know how much you meant to. and how you touched the young lives under your wing.
You cared deeply about each one of them. Your humour, kindness, and distinctive pink hairstyle in support of CANSA will be fondly remembered by all who knew you.
I shall miss you, my friend.
Anita Schnell, Plett
Rene always loved the poem ‘Warning’ by Jenny Joseph – it begins: “When I am an old woman I shall wear purple With a red hat which doesn’t go…” Well, she didn’t wear purple or as far as we know bought a red hat. but she did dye her hair a wonderful shade of fiery red or bright pink, depending on her mood.
She surrounded herself with the people and things she loved. Her menagerie of rescue dogs, her garden, a collection of great wines, the interesting meals she created to share with her friends, of whom there were many and dear. As the poem said, she did “pick flowers in other peoples gardens”.
Rene came to Plett in the late 1980s, taking up the post as principal at Plett Pre-Primary School, where she worked until ill health forced her to take early retirement in 2016. She touched the lives of not only the children but their families too.
She was a wonderfully dedicated teacher and if sometimes a bossy colleague, she was a friend to all of us who had the privilege of working with her. As a friend, there was simply no match for Rene.
On Valentine’s Days, she received two great big bouquets from two different men that she had turned down in her past. They still cared enough to send her flowers every year – she attracted that kind of loyalty. If one ever had a problem or need help or support, you could always count on Rene to be there for you.
So it is heart-breaking indeed to say farewell to this incredible lady, whose life was cut short before she could enjoy her retirement and live out her travel plans.
Rest in peace, Rene.
Plett Pre-primary School