Tributes to the late Patti Slavin, who was a much-loved and
highly respected set designer when she lived in South Africa, have been flowing
into Facebook from all over the world.
Slavin was very friendly with the late choreographer and
dancer Jilian Hurst and worked closely with Professor Pieter Scholtz (Hurst’s
husband) when he was the head of the drama department at the University of
Natal (now UKZN). Scholtz has penned the following in both their memories:
Some
thoughts on two remarkable ladies.
BEING AND BECOMING
Gradually she stopped
being
No sudden, rash
decision
Considered and caring
She decided to stop
being
Decided to become
At one with her soul
mate.
Diminutive in name
Patti and Jilly
But nothing small
Giving light to our
world
Becoming the evening
star
When it appears in the
west after sunset. – Pieter Scholtz
Mervyn McMurtry, now retired, who was also head of drama at
UKZN says: “Such cherished memories of a beautiful person... Dearest Patti, you
so very kindly showed us how to combine meticulous flair and craft, inspired
taste and ingenuity...”
Close friend Angie Macdonald writes: “My beautiful and dear
friend, Patti Gialerakis died yesterday morning after a horrible battle with
Lewy Body Dementia. I've been remembering her beautiful smile, her colour
co-ordinated outfits and the sense of style she brought to every occasion. The
way she swore like a trooper and yet was so utterly ladylike. Her Tai Chi and
Luigi movement classes, endless cups of tea and chocolate and fascinating tales
of her travels and work in the theatre. Patti had the ability to make everyone
she met feel loved and appreciated and I will cherish my friendship with her
forever.”
The funeral of Patti Slavin (Gialerakis) is being held this
morning (March 24) at 09h15 at the South London Crematorium in Rowan Rd, London
SW16 5JG.
In response to the request for flowers, her husband Andrew
Gialerakis has requested that instead of buying flowers, people could perhaps
make a donation to a Charity of their choice.
“If you would like to donate to the Friends of Dementia
Society please do so with a covering letter making your donation in memory of Patti Gialerakis. You can do this over the
phone, or send a cheque to the Alzheimers Society, Scott Lodge, Scott Road,
Plymouth PL2 3DU,” he explains.
All donations to The Friends of
Dementia society go towards research into cures for all forms of dementia, drug
research, treatment of patients, Friends of Dementia society, and Side by Side
and the management of all.
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