Modern day ‘Florence Nightingale’ dies
The late Benoni CBD resident Lorna Limpitlaw (70) has been praised as an unsung hero and a modern day Florence Nightingale by her friend.
Limpitlaw died on July 3 and her funeral took place at St Dunstan’s Cathedral, on July 7.
“Lorna did not make a name for herself,” said her friend, Dorothy Berry.
“She was too busy being an unassuming community member.
“During all the decades that I knew her she just got on quietly with her chosen vocation of caring for people.”
Berry said Limpitlaw was a nurse by profession, but her compassion for her fellow people made her career a calling.
“When I worked for her for a few weeks when she was matron of the Benoni Day Clinic before it closed down, I would see her leave the admin side of her job for a kind word with the patients – a straightening of the duvet here, a twitching of the pillow there, a few comforting words,” Berry said.
“Those who had added concerns would get an extra-long chat and listening session.”
Despite working the long hours she did, Limpitlaw still found time to raise her children, Daniel and Jean Limpitlaw.
“She always carried money in her car next to the gear lever to give to all the beggars and even prostitutes, who – she told me – would not be doing what they were doing if they had enough money to pay for the next meal,” Berry added.
After her husband, Alexander Limpitlaw’s, death she continued to care for her father-in-law, Danny Limpitlaw, until his death.
“Lorna was a rock people could lean on,” Berry said.
“We have lost a special person, but I am certain there are many more like her out there just getting on quietly and compassionately with doing whatever they can for their fellow.
“Being like her is the best memorial we can give.”
Also read: Boy (11) ejected from vehicle on Vlei Road
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