17-08 2021 15:24
wrote:
Dear Ben and Sam, it was shocking to learn of Marians sudden death. She and I managed to keep in regular contact via mobile phone so I was aware of her health challenges.
Marian loved you boys, not just now but through every stage of your lives. But I sensed that as you become adults she enjoyed your lives even more if somewhat vicariously. She particularly loved that you were both working and in happy relationships. I always sensed her spirits raise when we spoke of the two of you.
Marian was definitely the most important person in my life whilst I was growing up - early teens onwards. She took on my parenting as a teenager considering me to be a cultural savage. She introduced me to literature, poetry, philosophy and even tried to get me to develop social and gender awareness. Marian was also close and influential with many of my friends. She was very much a social being.
I can say without any doubt that for most of my life Marian was my best friend and definitely one of the best influences in my life. I’m pleased we manage to continue to connect together regularly for late breakfasts and then with Covid on the phone.
The joy she got from spending time with you boys and also spending time and even only talking about Raffi was huge and a real gift.
Much love and condolences to Janet, Ben and Wicus, Sam, Kelsey and Raphael.
Matthew
17-08 2021 15:24
wrote:
Dear Ben and Sam, it was shocking to learn of Marians sudden death. She and I managed to keep in regular contact via mobile phone so I was aware of her health challenges.
Marian loved you boys, not just now but through every stage of your lives. But I sensed that as you become adults she enjoyed your lives even more if somewhat vicariously. She particularly loved that you were both working and in happy relationships. I always sensed her spirits raise when we spoke of the two of you.
Marian was definitely the most important person in my life whilst I was growing up - early teens onwards. She took on my parenting as a teenager considering me to be a cultural savage. She introduced me to literature, poetry, philosophy and even tried to get me to develop social and gender awareness. Marian was also close and influential with many of my friends. She was very much a social being.
I can say without any doubt that for most of my life Marian was my best friend and definitely one of the best influences in my life. I’m pleased we manage to continue to connect together regularly for late breakfasts and then with Covid on the phone.
The joy she got from spending time with you boys and also spending time and even only talking about Raffi was huge and a real gift.
Much love and condolences to Janet, Ben and Wicus, Sam, Kelsey and Raphael.
Matthew
2021-08-17 21:35:38 View / Comment (0)
2021-08-17 15:05:05 View / Comment (0)
Jess Roussos
Jess Roussos
Hi Janet, Ben and Sam, I just wanted to send through a message with some memories of Marian. Firstly, I just want to say how strange it is to mention Janet without Marian - throughout my life I've felt like "Marian & Janet" have been such a constant pairing that just belong together to such an extent that it seems strange to mention one without the other. A few fond memories of Marian: firstly, around food - I'll always remember the amazing feasts Marian used to cook for our Christmas get togethers, and particularly the delicious yogurt (or cream), mango and brown sugar dessert. Of course these Christmases also came with the best gifts! I also remember that both Marian and Janet always used to swim naked in the pool in the sandton house - which as a child delighted me to no end. I also remember our holidays together at Cristal Springs, and how much I always loved visiting as a child whether it was the bez valley house or the Sandown house. Marian and Janet, and the ShapNells as a whole have been such an important and constant presence in my life, and Marian was particularly a calm and gently interested presence. Sending lots of love and thoughts. X Jess
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