The Patricia de Lille that we know and admire is a strong woman with a hard-earned reputation for confronting injustice and fighting for the good of all South Africans.
But she is also one of us, Aunty Pat: Wife, mother, home-builder – and dog-lover extraordinaire.
For nearly 50 uninterrupted years – as a trade unionist, member of parliament, mayor of Cape Town, opposition party leader, and national Minister – there have been two constants in her life: Her commitment to contribute to a better country, and her beloved husband, Edwin.
On 8 February, a devastated Aunty Pat announced that Mr De Lille had passed away after a long illness.
“Our marriage was built on respect. Eddie was a true partner in the real sense of the word and never stopped me from following my convictions. There was respect and support until his final days and I will miss him dearly,” she said.
The couple has one son, Alastair.
Speakers at Mr De Lille’s funeral gave mourners some insight into how things worked at home: In the early days of their marriage they struck a deal that whoever got home first from work was responsible for making supper. He went on to become a very accomplished cook...
Few words exist to console a family on the loss of a father and lifelong partner. Aunty Pat and Alastair know that there are good people across the country rooting for their well-being; that they will never walk alone.
* In the circumstances, Aunty Pat’s birthday, on 17 February, was not much of a celebration. On behalf of all good people, we wish her many happy returns. We can celebrate with extra vooma next year.
** Aunty Pat’s regular column, Aunty Pat sê, will resume in next month’s WAARHEID! In the meantime, we wish her well.
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