Mum and daughter who lost their lives in an accident earlier this week, laid to rest

Heartbroken and beyond devastated family members and friends attended the memorial service of Mariëtte Engelbrecht (52) and her 11-year-old daughter, Ronel, who died in a car accident on Sunday afternoon.

The service was conducted by Reverend Tienie Bosman from the NG Kerk Stella Street in Waterkloof, Pretoria on Thursday.

The accident occurred on the N4 and claimed the lives of three grade 5 learners of Laerskool Menlopark Marli van der Vyver, Nina Strydom as well as Ronel and her mother, Mariëtte.

Bosman’s message to family members and friends of Mariëtte and Ronel was that “despite all the information at our disposal, there were more questions than answers”.

“Four people get out of a car, what are the first words you and I will say? Grace of the Lord. The same car rolls, four people die. What are we saying now?

“We can tell each other a lot about death, but one thing is for sure, death hurts,” Bosman said.

“What is life? How do we live? What should we take and how much should we give? This is probably what’s going on in your mind.

“Despite all the information around us, about pain, it just feels to us like there are still too many questions.

“The sad thing is when we get to our life of faith, we have taken over something from this instant,” Bosman said.

He said that the Lord’s grace was sufficient for us.

“Don’t ask why it happened, rather ask ‘God, where do I turn now’?

“The answer from the Lord is that His grace is sufficient for you.”

Annemarie Scheepers, a member of the executive committee of Oord Pionier said that they were deeply sorry for the family’s loss.

She spoke on behalf of Denina Bernard of Die Voortrekkers: Kruithoring.

Mariëtte had been involved with Voortrekkers: Kruithoring for the past 10 years and her daughter, Ronel has been part of the Voortrekker family since grade R.

“We will always be with you while Mariëtte and Ronel will keep an eye for you from heaven.

“It’s hard to say goodbye, but until we meet again, keep faith,” she said.

She said that during this past weekend’s camp, Mariëtte told them how much she loved her husband and her children.

“She told us that Dawie was a good husband and how proud she was of Christiaan,” Scheepers said.

Ronel’s brother Christiaan said that it was unfortunate that his sister could not grow up too.

“You were the cutest girl there could be. You were always busy. It was fun to bake cakes with you, ride a bike and do homework.

“You have been an example to us. We love you very much,” he said.

Dawie’s tribute: “To a mother and a daughter. You were everything in our lives. We will miss waking up with you. Thank you for everything you have done for us. You were the best wife and mum. We already miss you infinitely.”

Tributes
Willie Cronje, brother of Mariëtte
Where does one start?
We stand here today. We are shattered.
There are some books that have not been written yet.
My message is that we should continue to write our books and that it does not stop here.
We need to look ahead.
When I think of Mariëtte, I will remember her for her fairness.
Ronel was a shy girl, but she started to grow up so pretty.

Denina Bernard, message read from Annemarie Scheepers, a member of the executive committee of Oord Pionier
Dawie and Christiaan, we want to share our innermost sympathy for your loss.
Words are few, because no matter how deep you dig, how do you say something that makes any sense?
You were a unit like few. You have always tackled something together as a family.
If I had to think of Mariëtte, I would remember her for her calmness. I can not imagine her angry. She had a friendly smile, she was enthusiastic and positive.

Ronel, dearest Ronellie.
Like her mother, Ronel was a true Voortrekker.
We will remember her as the beautiful big-eyed girl with a sly smile. Her favourite place was next to her mother’s side.
Dawie and Christiaan, the world is deprived of precious people.
The void they leave will be widely felt.
We are deeply sorry. We will always be with you while Mariëtte and Ronel will keep an eye on you from Heaven.
It’s hard to say goodbye, but until we meet again, keep faith.