Rest well Aunty Barbie – Town mourns local matriarch and stalwart
Newcastle is mourning the loss of one of its most beloved and selfless figures, Persman Parsad-Ramsaroop, affectionately known as Aunty Barbie.
Aunty Barbie, 92, passed away peacefully in the early hours of December 25, 2024, leaving behind a profound legacy of compassion, kindness, and generosity.
For decades, Aunty Barbie was a cornerstone of the community, always prioritising the needs of others above her own.
Her unwavering commitment to helping those in need earned her the nickname ‘The Mother Teresa of Newcastle.’
Whether it was offering a listening ear, providing assistance, or simply being a source of comfort, Aunty Barbie’s life was a testament to selflessness.
Her warm and nurturing nature touched the lives of countless individuals in the community, and she was known for her willingness to go above and beyond, even giving the shirt off her back to help someone in need.
Aunty Barbie’s impact on Newcastle was immeasurable, and her legacy will continue to inspire all who knew her.
Who was Aunty Barbie?
Persman Parsad was born in Boksburg, Gauteng, on June 16, 1932. Sadly, her mother passed away when she was only five years old, leaving her dad to take on the role of a single parent, raising her and her siblings on their family farm.
Growing up, Aunty Barbie would help her father out in their family’s shop, which was also where she met her late husband, Bisnath Ramsaroop, who would frequently travel between Newcastle and Johannesburg buying and selling fresh produce.
Together the couple would welcome the births of seven children and spend 17 wonderful years together, building their version of a perfect life.
Unfortunately, in 1970, Bisnath passed away in a motor vehicle accident near Greylingstad (a small farming town west of Standerton in Mpumalanga).
In order to provide for a 16-member household, which included her own as well as extended family members, Aunty Barbie worked for Bill’s Fisheries (a local fish and chips outlet) in Newcastle CBD for years before the shop eventually closed down.
Her daughter, Rolene, recalled her mother walking from Lennoxton to the CBD every morning and then back home again in the afternoons to teach Hindi at Lennoxton Primary School.
“My mother was extremely proud of her culture and her heritage and made sure that the next generation would carry the same values with them, which is why she was adamant to teach the language and culture at school,” said Rolene.
Rolene remembers her mother walking or catching a lift to the Newcastle Provincial Hospital every Sunday to visit each and every single patient admitted there.
“I remember she would go and buy a big packet of sweets and then go and give each patient a sweet while sitting with them and just talking to them, making sure they didn’t feel alone. Even though she didn’t know a single soul there; she felt they were all important and deserved kindness and compassion.”
Aunty Barbie dedicated her entire life to looking after her community by constantly raising funds and hosting various events to lighten the burdens of the less fortunate.
She had a soft spot for the youth and hosted many awareness campaigns advocating against GBV, abuse, and drugs, which she believed plagued a lot of the youth who came from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Every year, Aunty Barbie would celebrate her birthday, as it was on Youth Day, with the Fernwood Temple with fun and games and a scrumptious lunch. She never wanted any presents, just a R5 for a raffle ticket to stand a chance to win a prize.
The money collected was then donated to the temple.
Her family intends to continue this fun day every year to honour memory.
She was awarded by various organisations such as CANSA, Cripple Care, Crisis Centre, and Child Welfare for always going above and beyond to help her town’s folk, no matter the situation.
According to Rolene, one of the highlights of her mother’s life was when she got to meet Mother Teresa while travelling through India years ago – a woman she looked up to and idolised for her dedication to helping others.
“My mother just loved to help people, whether she knew you personally or not. So many people have told me that they met my mother during times of loss and mourning.”
She would hear that someone had lost a family member, and she would just show up at their gates and sit with them while they mourned for their loved one.
“It is so remarkable hearing the way people talk about her and how she impacted their lives,” said Rolene, smiling as she spoke about her mother’s legacy.
Rolene concluded by stating that the town, as well as their family, had not only lost a role model and mentor, but a matriarch that kept everyone together at all times, no matter what adversities they faced.
“This world has definitely lost a kind, genuine, and pure soul who deliberately made a difference in people’s lives. I will forever live by what she taught me and try and follow in her footsteps, although I’ll never be able to fill her shoes,” concluded Rolene.
One of Aunty Barbie’s milestone achievements was being one of three founding members of NOFTA.
Close friend and fellow humanitarian, Mary Dobbie of Newcastle Crisis Centre, offered her condolences to the family while stating, “Auntie Barbie was Newcastle’s very own Mother Teresa.
“She was a humble and gentle woman who had a great passion for helping the community. Her infectious, compassionate smile would light up any situation. She was an inspiration to all. RIP, my dear friend.”
Aunty Barbie leaves behind seven children, 18 grandchildren, 25 great-grandchildren, and three great-great-grandchildren.
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