Greta’s legacy shines through Tree of Light
Greta Schoeman's sister and son, Sheila Western-Kaye and Ken Schoeman, have been chosen to switch on the lights on Highway Hospice's Tree of Light, at Jameson Park in Durban on Friday, 28 November.
AS a tribute to Highway Hospice founder, Greta Schoeman, her sister, Shiela Western-Kaye, and her son, Ken Schoeman, have been chosen to switch on the Tree of Light, at Jameson Park in Durban on Friday, 28 November.
Greta opened the first in-patient unit for terminally ill patients in South Africa, at her home in Kings Road in Westville. It later became the Highway Hospice, a centre which thrived under her care where she worked for 32 years.
Greta’s sister, Sheila, said although she lives in England, the hospice has played a big part in her family. “My sister has done such wonderful work, and that is why my family and I will do anything to keep her work alive and to fulfil her last wishes,” said Sheila.
Greta’s son, Ken, said he was honoured to be chosen. “Switching the lights on, on the Tree of Light, will keep my mom’s legacy going. We need the community to rally and support the hospice as much as they can. I see it as a bulb to remember my mom by and urge everyone else to do the same,” said Ken.
Greta’s daughter, Mandy, who unfortunately had to return to Scotland before the Tree of Light ceremony, said she was sad that she could not be here for the event, however she believes it’s truly an honour for two members of Greta’s family to be chosen to switch on the lights.
“My mom was one of the first people chosen to do the switch-on years ago, and its symbolic now that her son and sister will be remembering her at this year’s Tree of Light. My mum taught people that death was a part of life in a time when talking about death was taboo. She was quite revolutionary in her nursing care for patients and felt that all people needed to be treated with respect and dignity, even at death’s door,” said Mandy.
She added that light was such an important part of her mother’s life, particularly her religious beliefs. “Tree of Light is also about remembering happy times, having hope during dark times and a way of identifying people who have experienced loss,” said Mandy.
This year’s event, marks the first for both Sheila and Ken as they both live abroad in England and Australia respectively. So join them at Jameson Park (opposite Mitchell Park) on Friday, 28 November at 6pm. The evening commences with music with a Christmas theme supplied by dedicated volunteer musicians. Adding a bit of glitz and glamour to the evening is music by Dave Burch, Bernie Davenport, Mim Erasmus and Collin Rule.
There’s also food stalls but you are welcome to take along a picnic basket, as well as a blanket and don’t forget your umbrella in case it rains. A few tents will be erected for shelter just in case. Hospice also sells candles that evening for people to light on the night.
The actual lighting of the tree takes place at 7.45pm (weather permitting) when more than 9000 globes light up with a soft radiance. The tree will shine throughout December.
Dedications cost R40 a globe. If you have a loved one who you would like to remember in this beautiful and touching tribute, contact Heather on 031 208 6110 or e-mail: heather@hospice.co.za to buy a globe.
