VEREENIGING. – One of the most prominent champions for the performing arts in the Vaal Triangle, Ms Wendy Brune (62), passed away peacefully in her sleep on May 19.

“Mom died at home in her sleep from natural causes. She was still working and healthy. Her clothes were set out next to her bed for school the next day. Dad woke up next to her and tried CPR but she was already gone,” says her bereaved daughter Kim Groenewald.

Rev Dr Pat Baxter, a family friend and former Minister at St Lukes in Vereeniging, says Wendy has made significant contributions to the arts and theatre community. Her involvement in schools has also been an amazing gift to many children.

Wendy was born on March 20, 1959 and married the love of her life, Graham Brune, on December 1, 1979. As a young adult she worked at her parents’ business, Frutti Nutti in Vereeniging. She became involved in sewing costumes for Stewarts and Lloyd’s amateur dramatic society, SALADS, and later for the Vereeniging Operatic and Dramatic Society (VODS).

Wendy worked part time doing bookkeeping for doctors’ rooms and later found a new love for libraries. It was at a fundraising project at Selborne Primary School to renovate the school media centre where Wendy found her niche. She started running the media centre for Arcon Park Primary, then later General Smuts High School and finally at Hoërskool Drie Riviere.

A highlight of Wendy’s year was at Easter when she visited Vereeniging Mediclinic and Eureka School as the Easter Bunny to distribute Easter eggs.

Wendy had a love for the Arts and became the “Kunsfees tannie”, running the Vereeniging Arts Festival for many years. She was also well-known as a stage manager for dance shows in the Vaal.

“Mom touched the heart of every person she met. She was always willing to give of her time, and would always try to make your day better, and that she did,” says her daughter Kim.

“Mom loved her family, and nothing was too much. Her biggest joy came in 2012 when she became a granny. Her anecdotes and little sayings will be sorely missed by her family, friends, colleagues and all who met her.”

In her condolence message to the Brune family, well-known artist Charlotte Bresser says Wendy was one of those rare people fuelled by love, care and competence. “What a privilege to have known this awesome lady. Wendy will be missed in so many ways. She will also be remembered by so many.”

Ms Roslynne van Belkum, also a celebrated artist, says her first memory of Wendy was at the Vereeniging Civic Theatre when Wendy and Graham were working there as Stage Managers and Lighting Engineers. “I was only 6. Wendy commanded such respect and ran that backstage with authority and efficiency. As an adult, Wendy was my Stage Manager for several shows and I always felt calm and together knowing she was there – always ready to sew on a button, dry a tear, fix any sort of problem and run the whole show. Wendy, you were loved by all. Thank you for all of the wonderful memories!”

Apart from husband Graham, Wendy is survived by her children, Kim and Lee, children-in-law Stefan and Adele, and grandchildren Hanru, Melise, Liana and Zandrea. The Brune family wishes to thank the Vaal community for all their support and love during this difficult time.

Wendy’s memorial service will be live streamed via You Tube on June 6 at 11:00.

The You Tube link is: https://scanmail.trustwave.com/?c=20371&d=36Wv4AfJ_W-BrOs19UGy-kmYVaOXX5T3RtETe1UQJg&u=https%3a%2f%2fyoutu%2ebe%2fsBS9TfT3DFM

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