An Edenvale angel passes on
"The discipline and extremely high level of cleanliness she instilled at Edenvale Hospice made the hospice the best in the province."
News of the death of one of Edenvale’s finest left a trail of shock and sadness.
Known for her ability to care for those in need, her medical knowledge and tenacity, Sr Leigh died at the age of 62 from several health complications on July 9.
She spent her last moments at Netcare Linksfield Hospital.
Friend and co-worker Marlene Hooper described Sr Leigh a private and stern person with a compassionate heart.
Originally from Kwa-Zulu Natal, Sr Leigh made her way to Edenvale and took over the centre in the early 2000s.
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In an earlier interview with the NEWS, the late sister described the property as originally being a disgusting little white house.
However, with the help of the community and various government departments, she turned the centre around.
“Although she could be strict Sr Leigh cared immensely for those under her care. When new nursing students came to the centre for practical training she would take each one under her wing,” said Marlene.
“She was just so full of knowledge and wasn’t afraid to part with it.”
Marlene said when she notified other Hospice centres of Sr Leigh’s death they were shocked as many of them would phone her for advice and assistance.
In a letter to the care centre, Trinity Presbyterian Church said its members were heartbroken by Sr Leigh’s death.
“Sr Leigh will always be remembered by Trinity and our Social Concern Committee for he unforgettable personality. She was dynamite.
“The discipline and extremely high level of cleanliness she instilled at Edenvale Hospice made the hospice the best in the province.
“However, above all, Sr Leigh put others before herself, always fighting for the best for the centre,” read a portion of the letter.
When staff members were informed of her death many were emotional and inconsolable.
Marlene said the news hit them hard.
“One of the things that I will always remember about Sr Leigh was her weekly highlight. Every Friday, once she had stopped working, she would always go to Greenstone to have a burger and a beer.”
Marlene said one of the dearest memories she has of Sr Leigh was when she broke her arm.
“She phoned me and told me that she had fallen in the bathroom and broken her arm. I made a few jokes, but I will always remember that call.”
Other memories Marlene will remember were the annual fund-raising breakfasts Sr Leigh had with the Classic Motorcycle Club, which Marlene is a part of.
“She was always so jovial at the breakfasts and enjoyed the days out.”
Marlene believes that if Sr Leigh had never entered the medical field, she would have been a motivational speaker.
“When she spoke, she had everyone hanging on her lips. She led by example and her staff always had happy faces.”
To further commemorate Sr Leigh, Marlene hopes to host a non-denominational ceremony for her.
“In the weeks to come, everyone she was close to will be invited to a rose bush planting in her honour.”
