Friends say goodbye to Gillian
Gillian Lantz's place will be empty at the Dinwiddie WAU.
Dinwiddie Women Agriculture Union (WAU) chairperson Gillian Lantz died on March 8.
When Gillian was appointed branch chairperson in January, she was eager to start her leadership journey.
She joined the WAU in February 2019 after hearing about the organisation from another member of the WAU, Corrie Raubenheimer.
Gillian danced into the hall at her first meeting with a big smile and a pretty dress.
She soon became known as the baby of the branch, as she was the youngest member.
A woman loved by many
Gillian enjoyed every aspect of the WAU, from the discussions, get-togethers and planning to the articles.
She attempted all articles that needed to be made every year with enthusiasm, and with each article she made, she discovered beautiful hidden talents she had.
“It is well remembered how excited she got when she completed a crocheted or knitted item and even bottled jam,” said her friend, Priscilla Atkins.
She was a gifted creative and artistic person who tried everything from handcrafts to painting and dusting off her sewing machine to try to complete an article. Her latest achievement and a new love was flower arranging, which she threw herself into with the same fervour as all the other articles she did.
She also assisted in the planning, graphics, layout and printing of the Dinwiddie yearbook for the last two years.
“The love she had for her family she brought with her and shared with her extended WAU family. This love also led her to tell other people about the WAU and, in so doing, introduced members to the branch. With her work ethic and willingness to assist, she soon became one of the management team of the Dinwiddie branch,” said Priscilla.
An empty place in many hearts
With Gillian’s bubbly personality and quick wit, she became well known and liked by members across all branches of the Goudrif district, here also always willing to lend a hand where she could and a smile and a kind word to those who met her.
“Gillian, we will miss your smile and bubbly personality for years to come.
“You were more than a friend to me. You were like a younger sister, and words and phrases like ‘we’ve got this’ and ‘true that’ will always be a part of me. Rest in peace, dear friend. Love, always,” said Priscilla on behalf of the Dinwiddie WAU.
