GRAAFF-REINET NEWS - Ninky Bekker of Graaff-Reinet passed away on Sunday 3 May in Midland Hospital after a short illness.

Ninky was known by many for her deep compassion and tireless work for the Graaff-Reinet Cancer Association, for whom she had been a volunteer for many years. She was always willing to help anyone in need, and proved to be a kind and reliable friend to all.

Samantha Graham-Maré considers herself blessed to have been under her care in 2018 and 2019. "She would move heaven and earth to help people, and nothing was too much trouble," she said. "I don't think I have ever met anyone with such depths of compassion, and her firecracker nature ensured that things got done."

As well as overseeing individual cancer patients, Ninky also worked tirelessly at every fundraiser for the organisation, and her dedication and enthusiasm were a great asset to the committee. 

"She would never say no when I asked her to help me, and I knew I could rely on her" said fellow committee member Margie Parkes. "We were her family, and she will leave a huge empty space in our lives," she added.

Ninky was born in Port Elizabeth on 8 November 1948, and moved to Graaff-Reinet with her father about 30 years ago. She worked for a local attorney for several years, and also made her mark in the town as the very successful local manager for Avon products.

She also helped out briefly at a local restaurant, and it was here that she met her beloved partner Johann Prinsloo. They had a wonderful life together for 23 years, and she was devastated when he passed away last August.

Ninky starting experiencing what she thought was shoulder pain from an injury in February, and was diagnosed with lung cancer only about a month ago. She spent 38 days in hospital, optimistic until the end that she could beat the disease. Sadly, this was not to be.

A memorial service will be held at some time after the lockdown restrictions are eased.

'We bring you the latest Graaff-Reinet, Karoo news'