Monday, January 7, 2013

In Memory: Edith Mavis Mckenzie



Edith was born in Dundee on the 9 August 1906, the 4th daughter of John Mckenzie and May Alexander Brickhill. She married the well-known author R.O. Pearse (Reg), who was a highly respected School Principal, on 18 December 1928. Three children were born, Muriel Joyce, Constance Jean and Malcolm Lynn.

During 1933, between April to July, Reg and Edith toured East & Central Africa by car, leaving 4 year old Muriel in the care of her Grandparents and Aunts in Dundee. This journey was recorded in the book, “Empty Highways”, written by Reg.

They then lived a short while in Pietermaritzburg, where Constance and Malcolm were born.

Edith filled the role of Principal's wife very well and supported her husband in all his undertakings. For many years when they lived in Estcourt, she ran the tuck shop at Estcourt High School. She took a great interest in all the pupils and was loved by them all.

On Reg’s many hikes through the Drakensberg, Edith would wait patiently for his safe return. Reg wrote various books about his adventures. When he retired in 1965, they made their home in the Drakensberg.

Edith was a wonderful cook, did beautiful crochet work, enjoyed reading and gardening. Her children fondly remember that her greatest happiness was to be with her children and grandchildren. She loved every family gathering.

Edith died on 24 October 1992.

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