Annemarie was an angel on 2 wheels

Friends of Annemarie van der Hoven described her as an angel in human form who always put other people’s needs first.

Annemarie died on October 2 and her death left a huge gap in the community.

Her closest friends attended a memorial service for Annemarie on Friday and they all agreed that her selfless love for people meant that she placed her own needs last, no matter what.

Annemarie worked at the Polokwane Child and Family Welfare Association’s charity shop in Library Gardens and in her spare time, she also reached out to people whenever she had the opportunity.

“I will never forget the day I met Annemarie. I had just lost my job and had a little girl to look after. Annemarie took us in and made sure we had a place to stay and food to eat.

“She couldn’t give us much, but what she had, she shared. I thank God that she was in my life. She was too good for this earth,” said Jane Nkomo, one of Annemarie’s friends.

Annemarie was actively involved with the Pietersburg Sê Jou Sê Facebook page’s Samaritans, a group of people who reach out to people in need.

“The shock of her death had an immense impact on the people whose lives she touched through the years. I will never forget the sight of Annemarie on her little scooter with bags full of food or clothes for those who needed it. She was a Godsend on two wheels,” Johan Zeelie, administrator of the Samaritans and close friend of Annemarie’s said.

Johan said she left all her belongings to charity.