Ms Do Poco was struggling with stomach complications and had gone for two operations, before her passing.

Her husband, Daurte Do Poco, told www.mobserver.co.za that the second operation had been a success and that the doctor had her discharge papers ready, when she picked up pneumonia in Life Midmed Hospital. Later the same day, she passed away.

Duarte described his wife as an extremely strong woman.

He shared an anecdote of how they were both still browsing the aisles of a shop during the pregnancy of their second daughter when she grabbed his hand and told him the time had come. Not long thereafter, their second child was born.

Annelien was born and raised in Middelburg. She attended MHS, the institution where she and Duarte had met.

She worked for many years at Ultra Liquors.

“I remember going out of my way to trade empties just for an excuse to see her.”

He further recalled that Annelien was not only an excellent wife and mother, but also described her as a very hardworking and loving person.

During Annelien’s short illness, Duarte said he tried to be a mother and father for their three children, and does not know how she did it all those years.

“I would give up everything to see her one last time.”

Annelien Do Poco passed away in Life Midmed Hospital on 15 January, a few days after her own father.

She is survived by her husband Duarte, two daughters Tanya (23) and Phillipa (15), and son JD (10).

Her funeral service will be held today (Thursday) at the PPK Lofdal Church at 10:00, where-after her burial will be held at the Middelburg Cemetery.