28/03/2023
Rosemary Elaine (Brink) Schluter, better known as Rosy or Pikkie because of her height. Our paths crossed way back in the year of 1961 when we sat in the first-grade class of Burgher Right School in the West of Pretoria. Rosy was placed next to me in class and for some reason we got into an altercation and I promtly pushed her off her chair – that was easy as she was only like two bricks and a peepot high.
Soon I learnt that her Mother Mrs. Brink was someone to be reconed with. Nobody messes with her daughters. My Mother was called to the School and our Teacher Miss. Spindler had to mediate the situation. Rosy and I became the best of friends after this. In athletics those short legs of her could outrun the fastest in the team and everyone would cheer “Run Rosy Run”.
Rosy I rembember when your Parents stayed in Church Street where the Pretoria West Police Station now stands, and how we would go to Napoli Café after school for 5 cents hot “slap tjips” before going home some days. Your dad had the Armateur Rewinding Business right by the subway and I still see your mom helping him in the workshop. We spent many carefree days at the Pretoria West Swimming Pool after school until the whistle blew for closing time at five in the afternoon. We would swim and play around the pool jumping into the deep end making sure to touch the bottom before shooting ourselves to the top gasping for air. We never got money to spend at the pool tuck shop, but we always had money for two Wicks Bubblegum, and we were happy.
Our High School days were busy, and your family had moved to Sunnyside but that did not stop us from getting together, even if it meant a sleepover and a bus ride. We spent many summer days at Poletti’s pool in Lynwood and lay in the sun to the point where we could hardly walk. The visits with Louis, Rio and the Italian side of the family and the delicious foods we ate until we could eat no more.
We stayed connected through the past 62 years, our lives stayed intertwined throughout our marriages, the birth of my children, the loss of our loved ones and it seemed like we were always there for one another.
Your smile and laughter could light up any room and you have not only blessed but touched many lives.
You had a zest for life and loved life itself. You had a special place in your heart for the elderley, animals, especially your cats, and a passion for helping those in need by knitting Jerseys and Blankets. I marvelled at the closeness your mother had to her three daughters, it was special and so was she. Your mom loved her three daughters more than life itself.
Heaven gained an Angel my firend, and I wish you all the peace, love, joy and rest in the arms of our loving Heavenly Father. Our loss is Heaven’s gain. Until we meet again dear Rosy. You know how much I loved you and you will always have a very special place in my heart. Dorothy (Welgemoed) Floor.