Patricia Arendse remembered as servant of community

Patricia Arendse, 66, held various positions on Retreat day hospital’s health committee over the course of 19 years.

The deputy chairwoman of the Retreat day hospital’s health committee, Patricia Arendse, has been remembered as a selfless servant of the community.

A memorial service was held at the hospital last week for Ms Arendse, who died on Thursday December 16. She was 66.

She held various positions on the health committee over the course of 19 years.

Her professional career started at the Methodist Publishing House in Salt River in 1973, where she was employed as a secretary, before being promoted to typesetter and, later, a graphic designer.

She served two terms as a councillor in the City of Cape Town from 2006 to 2016 and was a member of The Haven Night Shelter board from 2005 until her death.

Roscoe Palm, the health committee’s secretary, said Ms Arendse had enjoyed walking, reading, and playing the guitar, and all her colleagues had remarked on her record-keeping and administrative skills.

“She drew strength and encouragement from her scriptures,” said Mr Palm.

In a statement, the committee said her contribution could be measured in every life she had uplifted and in every organisation she had supported.

She is survived by her daughter, Angela, her son, Jaydon, and six siblings.