Community mourns beloved Scribante’s Susan Visser

Extraordinary, fearless and kind.

These are the words Lydia Pretorius used to describe her mother, Susan Visser (73), a beloved Andries Scribante Haven resident and the facility’s chairperson who died on July 5 after a long illness.

Susan spent more than a decade at the facility, where she became a leader and friend to many.

Lydia said her mother was very involved in getting sponsors to help the Andries Scribante old age community and her greatest achievement was to get lifts installed after months of negotiations.

“She always helped elderly people in times of need. Nothing was ever too much for her when it came to helping others. She also had an open door policy. No problem was too big or too small. She loved to dance and socialise; always taking the time to speak to people and listen to their complaints or just having great joy in storytelling,” said Lydia.

Lydia said Susan was a warm and kind human who was loved by everyone who knows her.

“Our Mother was smart, witty, funny and honest, but above all she was kind. Everyone who met our mother would always tell us how warm and loving she was. Our mother loved life, hated the fact that she got ill and even told us how she had a negotiation with God for just a little longer.”

Susan also loved the ocean and the smell of fynbos, and couldn’t wait to go and have holidays in Cape Town.

“She loved boeremusiek and she enjoyed visiting the East Rand flea market when South Africa’s best artists were there. Her dream as a young woman was to be a dancer and even on her sick bed she would ask us to just hold her and sway with her for one more dance,” Lydia added.

More than a resident
Ward 32 Councillor Marius de Vos described Susan as a voice of reason, resilience and empathy in the ward committee.

“Susan brought not only lived experience but genuine wisdom to every conversation. She was more than a resident of Andries Scribante and chairperson of the facility committee. She was a lifeline for many.

“I recall very well, when I visited her a few Sundays ago in the St Francis Frail Care Center, she asked me about the welfare and health of ward committee members and fellow residents. She truly embodied what it means to live for others,” said De Vos.

De Vos said Susan’s passing leaves a deep void not only the the hearts of those who loved her but also in the work she so passionately championed.

“Her legacy will continue in every life she touched, every change she helped bring about and every act of kindness inspired by her memory.”

Susan leaves behind three daugthers, Esther Scott (54), Lydia (52) and Patricia Oliver (50), seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren.

A funeral service will be held at the Klipkerk on July 17 at 11:00.

Also Read: Biker killed in crash with bus

Also Read: Family wants justice after cold-blooded murder of Mr D biker