Springs mourns with the residents of Selection Park after the death of 63-year-old local real estate agent Isabel Oswin (Govender).
Family, friends, colleagues and the community gathered to remember the life and love of Isabel at a memorial service held at her residence on Saturday afternoon.
Issy, as she was affectionately known, was described by those who knew her as a hard worker, a pillar of strength, a remarkable woman, a good cook, and a giver of note to the community.
People shared words at the memorial service honouring her:
“She was indeed feisty.” – KW Clockwork colleagues
“Isabel was a great colleague. She was feisty and had a fighting spirit. She was very courageous and caring. Everyone knew Isabel. What happened to her was tragic and left a big hole in our hearts. She had a fighting spirit; that’s who she was.” – David Bishop.
“She will be remembered. What a dynamic, feisty woman she was.” – Gabi Setlhako.
“One time, we had a potjiekos competition, and she made the meanest, most delicious dish. I asked her to share her recipe with me, but instead of sharing, she invited me to her home. That’s who Isabel was — an inviting woman, a hardworking and amazing top agent and seller.”
“I loved Isabel.”– Monty Buckingham.
“This is a difficult time for everyone. I loved Isabel. She would visit me in Swaziland bearing delicious mutton curry powders and other ingredients.
“Every time she left, my fridge was full of samosas and rotis. She had a crazy side to her, but we loved her. We can take comfort that the perpetrators were caught. Although we can’t comprehend the tragedy that she has faced, we trust in God, knowing that things will work out.”
“She was such a blessing in our lives.” – Carlette Oswin, the niece.
“Aunty Isabel had a strong personality and would set the record straight quickly, but she cared and loved us. She always reminded us to be strong and not be taken advantage of. Knowing she’s no longer here and that she has signed the angel register, we shall hold on to all the last encounters. We are thankful that we always had someone watching our backs.”
Vaughn Govender, Isabel’s son, gathered the courage to speak about his mother.
He explained the meaning of his mother’s name as a way of drawing a picture of who she was.
“Isabel is a gift from God, Carol is a song of joy, and Oswin is God’s friend,” he affirmed.
“The meanings of her names could not be more dissimilar to the person she was. She was a gift from God. She always checked up on everyone and was concerned about everyone’s well-being.
“She would drop everything to help anyone who faced adversity. She was resilient and a tough cookie to crack. Her energy and presence would take over any situation in times of despair and bring a sense of comfort,” said Vaughn.
He shared that Isabel had a whiteboard in her room where she wrote daily affirmations.
Upon reading his mother’s last messages written before her disappearance, he said he was touched by messages that he saw, which read, “Father, I thank you that I have your favour. Your favour is opening doors of opportunity, bringing success into my life, and causing people to want to help me. You will prosper.
“You will smile again. Your storm is over.”
“Issy fought her fight, and the storm is over; it has passed. She didn’t have the easiest life, but being the person that she was, she conquered.” declared Vaughn.
Isabel will be remembered by her three sons, two daughters, five grandchildren, brothers, sisters, the family at large, and all who knew her.
Family spokesperson Alan Naicker thanked everyone for their support and the hard work of the Springs SAPS, which played a crucial role in the ongoing investigation of Isabel’s murder case.
She was laid to rest on February 1, where friends and family paid their last respects, followed by an intimate crematorium service.
Isabel was the victim of a murder, as confirmed by the Springs SAPS after she was reported missing on January 20. Her body was found abandoned on Vlakfontein Road, Langaville, last week.
An investigation by the Springs detectives led to the arrest of eight suspects (three women and five men).
They were charged with kidnapping, murder, and possession of stolen property and appeared in the Springs Magistrate’s Court on Friday. The case has been postponed to February 7 for legal representation.
