(Margaret Horne)
The dance world mourns the death of
Margaret Horne, who passed away in the early hours of this morning (February
25) in the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at Entabeni Hospital She had a massive
stroke a few days ago which left her paralysed down one side and battling to
speak or breathe properly.
She was treasurer of the South African
Society for the Advancement of Dancing for many years and highly respected for
her work.
Alison Bain (chairlady of the SASAD 2007 to
2013) pays this tribute: “Margaret Horne has been a stalwart of the SASAD
finances for more years than I can imagine. She was always into book keeping,
and her skills in this department kept the SASAD financially sound. Margaret
worked with many chair persons of the SASAD over the many years that she was
treasurer, and her constant presence was welcomed by everyone, as she kept a
tight rein on the finances. If you needed to know anything at all about the
SASAD from its inception, Margaret was the one to ask.
“Margaret had a passion for the performing
arts, in particular, dance, as her daughter Caroline was a dancer in her youth.
No function was ever complete without Margaret at the door taking money, with
Caroline next to her. Her cheerful disposition was always a welcome sight, and
she always had a kind word to say about everyone. The SASAD was that much
richer for having Margaret so ably handle the finances. The SASAD made Margaret
an honorary member when she retired last year, as she had dedicated so much of
her life to this wonderful organisation. Margaret was terribly proud of that.
“Margaret also kept up with many people
from the performing arts world, and she would try and attend as many
performances as she could. What a lovely lady, and how she will be missed by
the SASAD. My condolences to Caroline and her family. Margaret loved her only
daughter very much, and they were always so close. Margaret is now dancing with
the angels. All her pains have disappeared, and no doubt she is busy organising
the finances in heaven. Fly high Margaret”
Dance teacher and SASAD Congress Chairman Des
van der Spuy pays her tribute: “Margaret Horne was one of those very rare
people who loved life and gave happiness and enjoyment to all who ever knew
her. She never had a bad word to say about anyone and was always ready and
willing to help with anything asked of her. Her heart was pure gold!
“Margaret served as the Treasurer of the
SASAD for over 15 years. She was one of the most honest people I know, and was
highly efficient in her job as treasurer. At Dance Congresses, Festivals,
Fundraisers, she always had that magical smile with those big blue eyes ready
for anyone who came into contact with her. She was very much a people person
and made lifelong friends with everyone. Margaret was always ready for work and
some fun and excitement.
“She has always played an integral part at
dance events and loved being in the background helping and assisting in any way
she could. As treasurer, she was extremely diligent and preferred to do all
book work by hand as opposed to computer. Her mind was sharp with anything
concerning bookwork and her books were meticulous.
We are going to miss Margaret at our SASAD
events as she was one of the building blocks that held the society together. I
cannot remember any event where she was not present. She loved everyone without
reservation. We loved her for the beautiful and most selfless person she was.
Margaret will always be remembered and will hold a very special place in our hearts.”
Dance teacher Ann Boardman, who was one of
her closest friends, says: “Margaret was such a dear person. She couldn’t dance
herself – said she had ten left feet! – but was passionate about supporting her
daughter as a dancer. There wasn’t a soul in the world she wouldn’t help.”
More
tributes to follow.
Posts
