Community mourns ‘unsung hero’

Theresa Dorothy Stein

Retreat and Steenberg residents are mourning the loss of dedicated “unsung hero” Theresa Dorothy Stein who died on Wednesday October 12 at the age of 87.

Ms Stein was born in Diep River on June 18 1929.

Human rights activist Mary Jansen, who had worked with Ms Stein on many projects in Retreat over a number of years, said she had dedicated her life to the Retreat and Steenberg community.

“I have learnt a lot from her. Her dedication, commitment; always so humble, focused,” said Ms Jansen.

“She was a teacher who taught children with cerebral palsy, and she was the secretary of CROSAR (Concerned Residents of Steenberg and Retreat). She was also instrumental in the development of Lakeview Housing in Retreat. Ms Stein assisted with the upgrading of the housing at the Retreat Railway sta-
tion.

“One of her other roles was that she assisted in getting tarred roads in the Retreat avenues and the side roads flowing from the avenues.”

Ms Jansen said Ms Stein had helped many matriculants with their applications to tertiary institutions. “The list can go on and on. Theresa will always be remembered as one of our stalwarts and role models in the community. May she rest in peace.”

Yolanda White, Ms Stein’s niece, said: “Aunt Theresa, a spinster, is my mother Sybil Richards’s sister, the only surviving sibling of six daughters and three sons. My aunt was born in Diep River, then moved to Healthfield, then Mitchell’s Plain and she retired in Retreat where she lived with us.”

Ms White said Ms Stein was very dear to her heart. “She used to spoil my kids and she was like a second granny to them.”

The funeral will take place at St Luke’s Church, in Annandale Road, Diep River, on Saturday October 22.

For more information you can contact Ms White at 082 532 0372.