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From: "April Blakely" <>
Subject: [ZA] A Mother's Passing
Date: Thu, 5 Dec 2002 14:20:48 -0500


Dear Friends,

It is with deep sadness that I must announce the death of my mother-
Patricia Rorke Blakely.

She was the daughter of Edgar Niland Rorke and a descendant of Captain
Michael Rorke, who settled in South Africa in 1823 from Ireland. Mom was
extremely proud of her heritage and took a special interest in the genealogy
research I've conducted over the last five years.

She passed from this world into the house of God last Sunday morning,
December 1st, and was celebrated in a praise memorial service on Tuesday
evening. I was blessed to develop my interest in our family history while
Mom was still able to share her stories of our family. We have spent these
past few days sharing some of those stories and remembering a truly grand
lady.

Despite our family's sadness, life moves forward and it is with great
happiness that I also announce the birth my mother's first great-grandchild.
Michaela Elizabeth was born a few hours ago right on time. She and her
mother, my niece Andrea, are both healthy and doing well. Her birth gives
me something wonderful to focus on during these tough days as I learn to
move on without my mother.

Regards,
April Blakely

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