Community Chest pays tribute to beloved colleague
Celeste had been with Community Chest for close to 30 years, starting at the organisation in 1993, and some of her co-workers have written tributes to pay homage to their beloved co-worker and friend.
THE local non-profit organisation Community Chest and the community of Durban have suffered a tremendous loss after the unfortunate passing of Celeste Netto this January following years of her battle against a long-time illness.
Celeste is known for her outstanding work with Community Chest that helped make the organisation into the charitable NPO it is today, and she is also known for her selfless work done throughout her career that touched the lives of children, elderly people and animals. On January 25, her family and friends gathered for her memorial to say their final farewell. Celeste had been with Community Chest for close to 30 years, starting at the organisation in 1993, and some of her co-workers have written tributes to pay homage to their beloved co-worker and friend.
Gordon McDonald – executive director at Community Chest
“Receiving news of Celeste’s passing has been devastating. Celeste has always been polite and professional. She believed that if something was worth doing, it was worth doing properly and to the best of her ability. Animals were a big part of her life, and she had untold patience and care towards abandoned and neglected animals, often getting involved with rescue animals. She has owned a number of cats and dogs over the years and has always given them her best, and in return, she derived a lot of happiness from her animals. She was undeniably a strong and resilient woman, who weathered her life struggles with great courage and a sometimes wicked sense of humour. Celeste’s illness has been lengthy and fraught with difficulties, yet she tackled it with good humour, and she never let it get her down. I, together with the team at Community Chest, will miss the sound of her laugh and the unique personality she brought to the team. Celeste, you have gone from us, but you will be missed. Rest in peace.”
Zama Mabaso – deputy director at Community Chest
“Celeste, your departure left my heart with a huge void; you were taken too soon. We will surely miss you. When you called me ‘my mom’. For the journey we have travelled. Now, rest in eternal peace in the Father’s arms. I can hear Him saying, ‘Well done, faithful servant, for all your services.’”
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Fadeela Deedat – colleague at Community Chest
“The 26 years during which I have been blessed to know Celeste, were simply not enough! She brought light and laughter to our office daily. I already miss her whizzing past my desk, and my heart aches to see her office door shut. Celeste brought the most amazing energy with her. Her cute dimples, curly hair and unique style complemented her warm, loving nature. Celeste was a friend to many, especially to those who needed help most. Her love for animals was extraordinary, and I have lost count of the number of birds and cats that she rescued at the office alone. I will miss meeting her in the kitchen and the passionate way in which she made her coffee, always with creamer, no sugar. She made the best cheesecake and taught me to add banana to my toasted cheese sarmie (as she would say). Celeste was dedicated in everything that she did, always doing things with full commitment and a smile. She faced her challenges with patience and grace. I am richer for having made the best memories with Celeste, and I will continue to miss her in everything I do. Rest in peace.”
Preya Gounden – colleague at Community Chest
“Celeste’s passing has been shocking and heartbreaking. She faced her illness and its challenges with great courage, oftentimes alone. I will always have the greatest admiration for her resilience, feminine spirit and utter devotion to animals and animal welfare. Her heart was truly seen in her interactions with the elderly and commitment to Community Chest’s mission. She will be remembered every day and missed. Go softly, Celeste, there is only peace.”
Adeba Sallie – colleague at Community Chest
“Knowing Celeste has been nothing but an honour. I have always admired her strength to handle any challenge with courage. So, too, did she handle her illness with prayer and bravery. Receiving the news of Celeste’s passing has brought an emptiness to my heart. I will miss her morning stopovers at my desk and her unique sense of humour. Celeste shared kindness to all that she knew, and the love and care that she gave to her pets and many other animals is remarkable. I miss you much, Celeste; may you rest in peace.”
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Tu Mthembu – colleague at Community Chest
“It has been an honour working with Celeste. She was beautiful both inside and out. She will be dearly missed. Gone but not forgotten.”
David Charlton – colleague at Community Chest
“Celeste, we are really going to miss you. You were my tea buddy and really looked after me. Thanks for your wonderful companionship in the office. Very sad.”
Jeanette Johnson – colleague at Community Chest
“Knowing Celeste has been a privilege. She has always been polite and kind and a pleasure to have known. A true lover of animals, nature and the outdoors. I admire her strength through life’s difficulties and ability to see the best in others. There is much that I will miss about Celeste. Rest in peace, my dear friend.”
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