Mom Daphne was a bright light in my life. I'm so blessed to have many wonderful memories of times spent together over a span of 50+ years. Mom will be forever loved and remembered by us for her caring soul, brilliant mind, laugh, singing and dancing. Forever missed and in our hearts.

Thank you for giving me the opportunity to share my love of Mom Daphne.

From the first time I saw Daphne I knew she exuded warmth and kindness. I was 6 and my best friend Sue was her daughter. Sue and I were inseparable and spent our lives in and out of each other’s homes as we lived just up the road from one another. I was always shown immense love and affection by Harry and Daphne. At first Sue's brothers frightened me; growing up in a household with two sisters, boys were just too rough. But the older I got, of course those feelings changed to love . Their home was my home and visa versa, and I loved my other family like my own.

When I think of Daphne I picture a beautiful, strong and caring woman who was always singing. If you were speaking to her and said something, a word or sentence would trigger a song in her head and off she'd go, I loved it. She would sing along to songs playing on the radio and would even do a little dance.

Daphne was a talented writer and luckily I saved a few of her amazing stories. There was always a wonderful verse to look forward to, written in a well chosen card with beautiful handwriting that she would send off for any occasion. Her ability to put words on paper was endless. She wrote a booklet of wise advice for people dealing with grief. We both joined Hospice at the same time and Daphne was an incredible asset to the organisation and a wonderful carer.

Harry and Daphne helped me through many hurdles when my parents died. They were my Angels on this earth, so wise, supportive, generous and caring. My Mom and Daphne had a little joke for many years where my Mom would say Aureverie to her instead of Au Revoir and even with her brain cancer, my Mom remembered to say that to Daphne. We carried on the tradition after my Mom left us.

Mom Daphne and I shared a closeness that was a true blessing, just like my relationship with Sue, and it meant a lot to us both. We shared happy memories, heartaches, laughed and cried and we wholeheartedly supported each other and, I always heard news of the family, which was wonderful. When Daphne and Harry moved to the UK we chatted as often as we could until Daphne herself couldn't manage the calls. BUT with thanks to Tony and Sandy, they kindly made sure that I still got to see and chat to Daphne as much as possible. They played and read out my messages to her and I will always be eternally grateful to Tony and Sandy for keeping Mom in my life through those special WhatsApp video calls. They understood and acknowledged our bond. Heartbreakingly the same didn't apply with Sue and sadly it was beyond my control, but I am left with so much to be grateful for, of precious times spent together and wonderful memories.

I can hear Daphne laughing now as she chatters away catching up with her darling, Harry, Richard and Sue and the rest of her family members who have passed on. Thank you Mom for being there for me, you will forever have a special place in my heart, and I will forever love and miss you. Aureverie Mom until we meet again in my dreams. To all the family please know you are in our thoughts at this sad time.

Thank you mom for always being an amazing, loving mother to us all. Thank you for giving me my incredible husband and best friend.
I so love this picture of you and Tones at his Christening. I am pleased to say he has stopped wearing dresses! I can hear you chuckling now at these very words. You will be so missed mom.

"Just living is not enough" said the butterfly. "One must have sunshine, freedom and a little flower" Hans Christian Anderson.
To our shared love of butterflies may you rest in peace my dearest Daphne, a beautiful soul remembered with so much love

In loving memory of a wonderful Aunt, who bridged thousands of miles over the years to make sure I knew I was part of a large and loving family - albeit one spread around the globe. I will always be grateful for the time she took to write to me, to send me family history and photographs, and her neverending encouragement and support of my career. Even though our family is ever-growing, Auntie Daphne had a gift for making you feel unique and precious. Rest In Peace Auntie Daph xxx

I first met Mrs Smith as my scripture teacher at Roosevelt girls high school in Salisbury at age 14. Many years later we met up again in Scottburgh and her title had changed. She was now my best friend’s mother-in-law. What never changed however was the beautiful, gentle caring soul that she was to me always dressed in the most amazing bright happy colors Thank you for the memories. I know you are fondly remembered

When I met Mum Smith for the first time, over a cup of tea at the family home in Greendale, she welcomed me with her lovely, warm smile and a twinkle in her eye, which is how I will always remember her.

Mum’s devotion to her extended family was undeniable. Her weekly letters (which later became emails), kept us all connected in different parts of the world. I am so grateful to her for this, as it helped to forge the beautiful relationships I have developed with the Smith family over the years.

Mum’s unwavering support and championing of her children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, siblings, nieces and nephews was undeniable. This was extended to her children’s spouses and I am so grateful to have had her as a truly wonderful mother-in-law. I couldn’t have asked for a better one. Not only did she welcome me into the Smith family with open arms, but she extended this care and genuine interest towards my family. Her many visits to my Mum in Zimbabwe were a highlight for my Mum and I always received news and updates after each visit. This meant so much to me, as I seldom saw my Mum once we had emigrated.

Mum Smith’s genuine care and compassion shone through in so many other ways, including through her hospice work and church activities.

You made the world a brighter place for so many of us, Mum. Thank you. I will hold you in my memories and heart forever.

Mum, what wonderful times we had together over the years, memories that I will treasure for life. Your journey through life was not always easy and yet you never complained and just made the best of every situation. Your faith has been unshakable and has brought you peace. You never judged those that believed in alternatives and kept an open mind. Your incredible understanding of the English language as well as your love of quotes were an inspiration and even well into your nineties you kept learning. Your fierce loyalty and devotion to your family knew no bounds and God help anyone who crossed those boundaries.
Thank you for being the best mum-in-law and giving the Ballito Smiths a lifetime of treasured memories.
Reunited with Dad, Rich and Sue, may you now Rest In Peace.
I will remember you always.
Love you Mum

Mum on her first Safari in her beloved South Africa aged 89. She wanted a photo with an elephant in the background and I was able to grant her this wish. I will treasure the memories of those few days together in the African bush forever xxx

You will be missed.

I will miss our monthly phone calls.
You were always so up beat and so proud of your family.
As they were so proud of you.
You will always be in our thoughts.
We will miss you dearly.
Sleep well.
Love
Bill and Babs xxx

Daphne (Mrs. Smith) welcomed my cousin Annick with open arms, making her feel truly accepted and part of the family. She was a kind, loving woman and a devoted mother, and I hold only the fondest memories of her. My heartfelt condolences to Dave and the entire family during this difficult time.

Dear Gran,

As we mourn your departure, we also celebrate your remarkable journey. A journey just short of 100 years.

Your passing has left a huge void in our lives, yet we grateful that you went so peacefully.

Gran, you had this incredible inner strength. You were so kind and gentle and had such an incredible sense of humour. We loved hearing all your fascinating stories over the years, and your stories would truly come alive.

You had such a powerful and positive mind, and you truly lived each day. You were always smiling and no matter what life threw your way, you never complained.

Your family was everything to you and you surely made us feel so loved. You always made time for each one of us. Without realising, you inspired so many of us.

We have so many unforgettable memories of us together. Spending time with you brought me so much happiness and I will miss you terribly.

Gran, I wish we had more time, we always wish for more time especially when we experience loss.
I really hope that you knew how much you were adored. You lived your life to the fullest, in such a gentle and graceful way. You were so humble. You always took such interest in other people's experiences. I loved how fondly you always looked at your loved ones. Your face would beam with pride when you spoke of any of your friends and family.

One of your many inspirational traits was your mind, you were so strong minded and you never believed you were old. Even in your later years, you would walk miles to attend church every single week. You never gave in to aging. You were full of life and lived life to the fullest.

Thank you for inspiring me, for all many hours chatting, the heartfelt advice, the best hugs and always laughing.

I am so grateful you met Gabriella and she will hear all the stories throughout her lifetime.

Gran, I know you will continue to walk beside us, and I will look out for all the signs 💞

Love you Gran, may you soar like the Eagles ❤️

Mom...