Heather Anne Ellis (Murie)

Submitted by Jennifer Wright

Heather Anne Ellis (nee Murie), passed away peacefully on 20 August 2011 after a long, courageous battle with cancer. She was Panorama Hospital's longest surviving patient.

Start year at Rhodes: 1968. BA: Majors: English and Speech & Drama. This was followed by a teacher's diploma.

Heather interrupted her studies halfway through 1968 as she was awarded an American Field Scholarship. She resumed studies midway through 1969 and completed her studies at Rhodes at the end of 1972.

She was Head Student of Atherstone during her time in res.

After studying at Rhodes, Heather spent her career as a teacher, first in high school (Cathcart High School), then in teacher training colleges (Wellington, then Mowbray). Thereafter she chose to teach English at junior school level, and she taught at Bellpark Primary in Cape Town. Two years ago she joined the Elshadai Christian School in Durbanville. She loved working there and the staff, parents and students were a fantastic support to her in the difficult days of her illness.

She was a wonderful sister and friend, who is greatly missed by all who knew her.

She is survived by her husband, Deon, and their daughter, Colleen.