On Saturday 25 February, the people of Paternoster, students of the Paternoster Project, staff and children celebrated the life of Natalie Mankel, the German student who tragically died in a car accident between Piketberg and Velddrif on Sunday 19 February. This was only days before her 22nd birthday on 22 February.
According to the Paternoster Project’s communication office, the service was held on Saturday at St Augustine’s Anglican church in Paternoster and was also attended by Mankel’s parents and Paternoster Project board members Maike Reinhardt from Germany and Jeanette Marais.
On behalf of everyone who knew and loved her, a special tribute to Natalie was paid early last week. The Paternoster Project shared this tribute with Weslander to be published.
“Natalie, a German student who has been supporting the Paternoster Project at Hoopsig since the beginning of this year, was happiest when she was out hiking. One enduring memory of her, as a geography major, is the way she spontaneously shared her love of nature with the children and her fellow students.
“Natalie’s life was one of caring. Her gentle nature and loving heart were all embracing. She left never to be forgotten footsteps in the lives of all who were blessed to know her. Our sincerest sympathies go out to her parents, family and friends. We share your loss.”
