SPCA’s friendly face succumbs to Covid, laid to rest
Lena ‘Judy’ Gordon who was fighting cancer, died August 3 after testing positive for Covid-19.
Friends and family of SPCA shop assistant and switchboard receptionist bade farewell to her on Sunday.
Lena Gordon, affectionately known as “Judy”, died August 3, after testing positive for Covid-19.
Colleague and finance officer at the SPCA Simbi Dube said Judy had been fighting cancer since 2019, and had been undergoing chemotherapy.
“She was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2019, and had her left breast removed,” Dube said.
“The work done by the hospital which performed the operation was so bad, I had to make noise for them to admit her and do proper cleaning and stitching.
“Unfortunately, when she wanted to be admitted into hospital recently, they asked for a Covid-19 test which came back positive.”
Judy died some days later, while sleeping at home.
Dube said colleagues and clients of the SPCA were deeply hurt by her death.
Judy who manned the charity shop at the Waltloo branch, worked for the SPCA for 12 years.
“The charity shop was like a safe haven, not only for me, but the staff and her clients.
“Judy made it feel so welcoming and peaceful.
“The place was frequented by a lot of oumas who would after shopping sit and chat with Judy over a cup of tea.”
Dube described Judy as a loving person who was patient and always gave an ear.
“She knew her clients very well. She knew all their achievements and sad moments. She would say ‘I love them, they are special to me’. Judy never judged anyone,” she said.
“She was always eager to go out of her way to give a helping hand, even when she herself was not well.”
The mother of two was laid to rest in Eersterust on Sunday.
SPCA staffers honoured the “cancer warrior” by wearing pink scarves, ribbons and some wore pink shirts.
“To me, and I am sure many other people, she was a survivor,” said Dube.
“Above all, she was prayerful. I have no doubt she is resting peacefully in the arms of the Lord.”
Dube said Judy’s friendly and helpful manner would be missed by the switchboard and that the charity shop would never be the same again.
“From myself and the SPCA, we would like to say, not only have we lost a hard working colleague, we have lost a friend and a sister.”
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