Mum

Rest In Peace beautiful Sally Anne

Six days ago, my mother passed away. Nothing can prepare you for this moment. It feels like a piece of me left my body when I heard the news. It literally took my breath away. It has happened. Mum is no longer here on earth with me. I am only here because of her birthing me into this life. And as my body continues to process the news, I keep saying over and over, “It’s so weird.” How can she not be here? Despite living on the other side of the planet from Mum for most of my adult life, she has always been with me. Now she is suddenly, though not unexpectely, gone. Not on earth with me anymore. Unbelievably sad…. and very weird.

What I would love the world to know about my mum… She was all of these words and so much more:

Loving. Brave. Honest . Beautiful. Creative. Joyous. Kind. Caring. Giving. Spirited. Loyal. Proud. Determined. Strong. Fierce. & Stylish (very)

Mum’s spirit taught me never to give up - just keep going. Her quiet strength and determination as she navigated living with Parkinson’s Disease for 40 years. Sally was always striving towards the light, love, hope and joy.

The silver lining is knowing that she has definitely moved on to a place of peace. She was tenacious to the end. A fierce warrior woman, she fought the good fight all the way to the finish line. Her body held so much pain, but she refused to give in to it.

Sally Anne was a very proud family woman - she loved her mother deeply, and her sisters and brothers too. Her own family and home that she built with my father was a beautiful representation of her creative, honest, loving spirit… from sewing matching outfits for all of her daughters; to making quilts, curtains, pillowcases (so many cushions!) for decorating her home; she always made sure she had on her own best outfit when leaving the house; her hair and nails were done; earrings, rings and necklaces in place and adorning her; and tonnes (!!) of perfume - of and of course her latest handbag - she always shined brightly. Sally sure loved to shop! Funny, that is one thing I did not inherit from her!

My father is bereft but coping. He misses his Sally Anne “The Sunshine Queen”. But he, too, knows that she is now resting in peace. After being her carer for the past 20 years, helping her to navigate the progression of her illness, he was loyal, caring and loving. I can only begin to comprehend how it feels to be alone after 62 years together—such a hole in his heart. I am calling him often and trying to help fill it with as much love as possible to help ease his pain.

Mum’s spirit/love lives on in my father, her 3 daughters, her 6 grandchildren & the 1 great grandchild who will be here on earth with us all soon. (I like to imagine she’s stopping in and saying hello to the little angel before she flies on)

Eternal thanks, Mum, for teaching me so much, for sharing all your stories with me, and for being my leader in honesty, pure love and strength.

May the memory of your smile continue to light up every room I walk through.

RIP Sally Anne Trappes

23.7.1941 - 10.3.2026