In Loving Memory of Donsie

21/05/1957 - 15/08/2022

When we decided to move to the mountains of Romania, my mom was still living in Cape Town, South Africa. I called her one evening from London and asked, “hey, mom, do you want to move with me to the mountains? I’ll look after you, and you help me with Chrissie'“. Her response: “Yeah, sure, why not? Let’s do it!”

We arrived in Cluj, Romania, on the same day, and the adventure began. So many funny stories, lots of road trips, lots of laughter and the best of all was that my little daughter, Chrissie, could grow up with her granny (Buni/Ouma) by her side. They were the best of friends!

…Until June 2022 hit, my mom was very unexpectedly diagnosed with Stage 4 pancreatic cancer. She had zero symptoms before June. We were completely shocked and devastated. Her cancer spread very quickly. My Younger Brother and Sister came over from Cape Town and my older sister from New Zealand, and our wonderful mom passed away in her little cabin in the mountains on the 15th of August 2022 with her 4 children by her side.

My mom and I were always talking about writing and illustrating children’s books, as we have so many stories to tell. Unfortunately, we never got around to doing this together, but before she passed away, I promised her that I would do it.

This is for you, ma! Always in our hearts.

Love, Marli