Beloved nurse dies from Covid-19
In honour of Mercy Pillay who fulfilled her passion to help others.
“Being a nurse means to hold all your own tears and start drawing smiles on people’s faces.” – Dana Basem.
As pressure continues to mount on a fragile healthcare system, frontline workers have had to face the Covid-19 pandemic head-on.
With no hesitation many of them risk their lives on a daily basis to save others. Hundreds of nurses across the country have now become a statistic because of this disease, and Mercy Pillay is one of them.
The 63-year-old died on December 13 following complications from Covid-19.
The dedicated nurse was a Brakpan resident for over 20 years and was well loved in her community. Pillay worked at Springs Parklands Hospital for 17 years and was the head sister at the time of her passing.
She also worked at a host of hospitals throughout KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng.
So it comes as no surprise that when you look up the meaning of mercy, it says:
“A love that responds to a human need in an unexpected way.”
For over four decades she dedicated her life to saving others and always put others’ needs above her own.
Born on July 16, 1957 in Springfield, Durban, she was the youngest of five children.
Growing up with four brothers, Pillay pushed boundaries and was determined to cement her mark in this world.
Read: Covid-19 eis bejaarde wat 62 jaar getroud was
After matriculating from Southlands Secondary in Durban she decided to pursue a career in nursing.
She graduated from RK Khan Hospital with a diploma in nursing and then obtained her degree, becoming a sister in her field.
She was the first in her family to obtain a degree and began her career in 1977. She did a host of training in the fields of emergency and trauma.
Pillay got married in 1981 to Rennie Pillay, who died in 2007 from multiple organ failure.
While being the sole breadwinner and fulfilling the role of both mother and father, the parent of three still ensured that her children received everything they required.
She loved being at the forefront of the trauma unit, as in her own words, it was “where all the action happens”.
Pillay received multiple awards for her work and was a determined and gentle soul who was always prepared to go the extra mile for everyone.
Sadly, her passion led to her family’s loss. For many, Pillay died a hero by helping others during the pandemic.
The family and her loved ones will remember her as an independent, fearless and humble soul who was taken way too soon.
She is survived by her children Euodia Pathan, Prescott Pillay, Trisha Pillay-Singh, Shashika Pillay and sons-in-laws Javith Pathan and Rishael Singh, as well as her grandchildren Ethan and Hannah Pathan, and Alexus and Ezekiel Pillay.
“She will forever be in our hearts,” the family said.
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