Secunda community sadden by passing of Marthie Pretorius
Although breast cancer was the beginning of Ms Pretorius long struggle, she succumbed to stage four lung cancer.
SECUNDA – Local cancer warrior, Ms Marthie Pretorius (65), passed away peacefully at her home on Saturday, 8 May.
Ms Pretorius was known in her community as an activist for cancer victims.
She never walked an easy road: she was divorced for more than 30 years while having to raise three children on her own, working full time and having to battle cancer along the way.
Ms Pretorius received her first diagnosis after visiting her doctor for pain in her knee.
At the same time, as she went for X-ray’s on her knee, she also went for a mammogram on her breasts.
Doctors become concerned during the mammogram and requested a biopsy be done.
They diagnosed Ms Pretorius with breast cancer in 2009.
Ms Pretorius underwent chemotherapy and a mastectomy, however, cancer returned and she began to experience pain in her back.
Doctors found five cancerous places in her back.
The whole process of chemo began again.
Sadly in 2016, cancer was again found in the same breast that was reconstructed the first time.
Although breast cancer was the beginning of Ms Pretorius long struggle, she succumbed to stage four lung cancer. She was diagnosed in February last year.
Ms Pretorius had never smoked a day in her life.
The 17-year-long cancer battle was not an easy one for Ms Pretorius.
Despite everything she had gone through, her motto in life was to always “Get up, get dressed and show up.”
Ms Pretorius was known for her colourful pink and purple hair which represented her survival and battle and was done in support of other cancer patients.
She had been very involved in her community, relays and events raising awareness around cancer.
She leaves behind her three children, Ms Engela Karstens, Ms Marlie Wessels and Mr Mattheus Prinsloo, and five grandchildren.
Her family and friends described Ms Pretorius as a person who was an “angel on earth”.
“She always had much love to give, was kind and always wanted to help others – even total strangers,” said long-time friend, Ms Rina Van Dyk.
“She was like a mom to many. Despite her illness, she was always a positive person who brought joy and kindness to people. She always seemed to look after every person that crossed her path and lived each day positively,” said daughter, Ms Wessels.
She was known to always gift people the tin arts and crafts she enjoyed doing in her spare time. The finer touches for her was to bring happiness and give joy.
Her service was held on Tuesday, 18 May, at Lake Umuzi’s Makoro Hall.
The family thanked everyone for the kind messages of condolences as well as Dr Raman for his continued support throughout Ms Pretorius’s cancer battle.
