Anisa remembered as pillar of the community
Anisa died three weeks after being hospitalised.
With a patient ear, a heart filled with compassion and a bright smile, Marhooma Anisa Choonara ran the Mackenzie Pharmacy like an extension of her home.
Working alongside her husband, Ahmed, owner of the pharmacy, Anisa took on the role of mother of the community, since the couple procured the business in 2017.
On February 14, the family from Springs bade farewell to its matriarch, following a short battle with gastric cancer.
In a letter to the Benoni City Times, Farouk Araie wrote: “Anisa was a lovely person. She was kind, always smiled and went out of her way to help the sick.”
A smile tugs at the corners of Muhammad Uzair’s mouth, the grief in his eyes briefly erased as the oldest of the Choonara family recalls his mother’s endearing personality.
“Our mother may have been small in stature, always walking in the shadow of her family but her warmth and empathy for others could light up the room,” he said.
“Following her diagnosis, late last year, she did not wallow, instead she faced this dreaded disease with courage still lovingly tending to her family and sprinkling care onto others.”
Speaking about his parents’ 38-year marriage, Muhammad says the couple met as teens, but his mother quickly became Ahmed’s confidant, life partner and right-hand woman.
“She was a force to be reckoned with. We often mocked her, saying she had OCD,” said Muhammad.
“She appreciated order, another quality which has brought calm to any situation. Customers seldom left the pharmacy empty-handed; she would go out of her way to assist those who could not afford it to have access to quality medical care.”
Speaking of his mother’s death, Muhammad explained that according to the Islamic faith, passing away on a Friday is considered a sign of a good death, with many hadiths stating that whoever dies on this day will be protected from the trials of the grave, signifying a positive and blessed end to one’s life.
Thanking the community for their outpouring of love, Naa’ilah, Anisa’s daughter-in-law, said the family extended their gratitude to their family, friends, and community for their support during this difficult time.
“My wife and mother had a sacred relationship like no other. At the time of our marriage, my mom did not lose a son; she opened her heart to receive the daughter she never had,” said Muhammad.
“That was a testament to her humility; she always viewed strangers as valued extended members of our family. My mom believed burdens shared reflect a life well lived.”
Anisa is survived by her husband, Ahmed, three sons Muhammad, Suhail and Nabeel and cherished daughter-in-law.
Under Islamic customs, a photo of Anisa could not be shared with the publication.
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