Following a massive outpouring of love and admiration for the city’s beloved “flower lady” who died on Monday, Vincent Park has erected a tribute space for those who would like to bid her farewell with a flower or a card.
The idea for a large poster reading “Peace and Love. RIP Babes” was sparked by What’s On owner and editor Rentia Ellis after her Facebook site What’s On In and Around East London and the Daily Dispatch’s Facebook page were flooded with messages of praise and respect for Babes, whose real name was Sandra Marcus.
She died aged 70 in Frere Hospital on Monday following bladder complications.
Ellis sprang into action, had a large colour portrait printed and approached Vincent Park’s marketing team.
“Everyone is sad that’s she gone and I felt people needed a place to pay their respects,” she said.
Vincent Park’s general manager Joseph Parsley said when he got wind of the suggestion to allocate a tribute space to Babes, he simply said: “Make it happen”.
“She was synonymous with the centre and would be here every day with her flowers, cheering people up. I had never seen her in a dull mood. She touched everyone she came into contact with here, no matter what background, race or gender.”
June Venter, who mans the mall’s information desk, said people were reacting with distress to the poster. “They are shocked. I am sure many will bring flowers because she knew everybody.”
Cambridge resident Tim Smith said the tribute at the mall was a good idea.
“We live in a conservative town and for someone to take the leap like she did was awesome. She was a grand lady and will be sorely missed.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
Vincent Park pays tribute to Babes
Following a massive outpouring of love and admiration for the city’s beloved “flower lady” who died on Monday, Vincent Park has erected a tribute space for those who would like to bid her farewell with a flower or a card.
The idea for a large poster reading “Peace and Love. RIP Babes” was sparked by What’s On owner and editor Rentia Ellis after her Facebook site What’s On In and Around East London and the Daily Dispatch’s Facebook page were flooded with messages of praise and respect for Babes, whose real name was Sandra Marcus.
She died aged 70 in Frere Hospital on Monday following bladder complications.
Ellis sprang into action, had a large colour portrait printed and approached Vincent Park’s marketing team.
“Everyone is sad that’s she gone and I felt people needed a place to pay their respects,” she said.
Vincent Park’s general manager Joseph Parsley said when he got wind of the suggestion to allocate a tribute space to Babes, he simply said: “Make it happen”.
“She was synonymous with the centre and would be here every day with her flowers, cheering people up. I had never seen her in a dull mood. She touched everyone she came into contact with here, no matter what background, race or gender.”
June Venter, who mans the mall’s information desk, said people were reacting with distress to the poster. “They are shocked. I am sure many will bring flowers because she knew everybody.”
Cambridge resident Tim Smith said the tribute at the mall was a good idea.
“We live in a conservative town and for someone to take the leap like she did was awesome. She was a grand lady and will be sorely missed.” — barbarah@dispatch.co.za
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