The Portuguese community and much of Randfontein are in mourning following the passing of well-known businesswoman Maria Sequeira Nunes Pereira.
According to her daughter Celeste, her mother passed away at around 6.30am on Thursday 12 March after a battle with cancer.
People will remember her as Mary from Bridge Butchery that used to be at the old bridge across the road from former Riebeeck Hoërskool. She and her husband Agostinho (Gus) Pereira owned the business from March 1962 until March 2006 when their eldest son Augie took over after they had retired.
Mary’s funeral service will be held at the Holy Rosary Krugersdorp Catholic Church on Wednesday 18 March at 1.30pm.
Mary was born on the island of Madeira on 23 September 1936. When she was 15 years old she, her parents and brother came to South Africa by ship. The entered the country on 1 January 1952.
After she had married Agostinho (Gus), the couple moved to Randfontein in 1957 and has lived here ever since.
Mary loved gardening and spent many happy moments nurturing her beautiful orchids – one of her proudest moments was when she won the prize for the best garden in Randfontein. Mary also featured in the herald when she showed off the large, organically grown tomatoes from her garden.
Mary was an active participant in charity work in the community and St Anthony’s Catholic Church. She used to organise the legendary Randfontein International Evenings when Roy Harris was mayor.
Mary and Gus also were pillars of strength in the Portuguese community when they helped re-home and integrate refugees from Mozambique and Angola into the Randfontein community.
Up until just before Mary became bed ridden she visited Friendship Haven every week for many years where she extended a hand of friendship and showed kindness and support as well as handed out sweets, cake and biltong to those who didn’t receive visitors.
Mary will be sorely missed by her husband, children, grandchildren, family and friends.
We at the herald send our condolences to the Pereira family.
