POLOKWANE – This mother of one was adored by many as a public inspirational figure and was well-known in the pageant community. Owner of Mode Photography SA as well as Models Management, she trained and encouraged various aspiring young models to achieve their dreams.
According to her parents, Annatjie and Floris Smith, she gave her life to create opportunities for artists, musicians and models and was a shining light in many people’s lives; always staying positive, motivated and ready for the next challenge.
According to her sister, Belinda Fourie, Anne was diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday, 5 December, and was admitted to hospital. She underwent surgery to remove cancerous growths the following Tuesday.
“Everything went well with the surgery and she was starting to feel better when on Friday, 15 December we suspected something was very wrong as she complained about pain and was visibly ill. Upon assessment, her doctor was immediately summoned as her heart rate and breathing was irregular. She was rushed to the intensive care unit of the Mediclinic Limpopo and she had to undergo surgery again. She was by then physically exhausted and she passed away a couple of hours after the surgery due to complications.”
Anne’s daughter, Chanté, sadly explains: “My mother was the the strongest woman I know and had a heart of gold. She was always friendly and cracking a joke, she lived a full life. It is a privilege to have been granted the chance to call her my mother. I want to thank her for raising me to be the person I am today, she taught me life, love and hardships, so cheers to you up there and I will love you always”.
The family is in agreement that Anne was an absolute role model as a daughter, sister, and mother and that there would forever be a sense of emptiness without her.
Her youngest sister, Julian Nortje, explains she and Anne have always been close and had such fun times together, causing havoc at school, having laughs and that they have always supported each other through the good and bad times.
According to Sarel Nong, former President of the Sapa Yopa Motorcycle Club, Anne assisted them with various charity outreach projects, sponsorships and helped Sapa Yopa to become what it is today.
“I am saddened by her passing, she did so much for us that I could actually have called her my personal assistant, that is how much she meant to us. She was part of the family and Sapa Yopa would not have been where it is today had it not been for this amazing woman.”
Anne leaves behind her mother and father, two sisters, a brother, Floris, and her only daughter, Chanté. A memorial service in honour of her life will be held on Saturday, 23 December at 11:00 at the N.G. Noord church in Dorp Street.
