A much-loved special development teacher has died suddenly, leaving a Victorian school community reeling and her heartbroken children scrambling to bring her remains home.
Mercy Linda Kaphamentengo Makuwira passed suddenly on Tuesday after years of service at the Dandenong Valley Special Development School.
Her daughters Gladys, 28, and Patience, 30, said the five surviving children were ‘heartbroken’.
‘Mum was a remarkable woman who faced life’s challenges with resilience, grace, and boundless love,’ they said.
‘Even though mum faced a difficult last couple of years following a workplace injury, she remained the bright, funny, and caring mother who raised us.
‘She loved dancing to music on Sundays mornings as she cleaned, she loved bringing home random plants, cooking appliances and cushions.
‘She was an amazing cook and always found joy cooking and feeding others.
‘Her care for others extended beyond our family. She was passionate about her work as a special development teacher, being a positive impact to the lives of the children and families living with disabilities.’
Gladys and Patience said their mother taught them to be kind.
‘She was the strongest person we have ever known, and through her, we’ve learned the true meaning of unconditional love and showing up for others,’ they said.
The children are now trying to send Ms Makuwira’s remains to lay beside her siblings in her home town, Chimbiya, Malawi.
‘(It) reflects her deep connection to her roots and her enduring love for family. At the same time, she built a beautiful life in Melbourne surrounded by friends who became like family.
‘We would like to create a space here in for her community to honour her memory as well.’
The family reportedly left the southeast African country in 1999 to live in Armidale, NSW.
They later settled down in Melbourne’s southeast, before Ms Makuwira’s husband returned to Malawi.
The eldest have opened a fundraiser to help their mother return home.
‘We are humbly asking for your support to help us fulfil her wishes. Your contributions will help cover the costs of her repatriation back to Malawi, funeral costs and memorial services,’ they wrote.
‘Thank you for your generosity, kindness, and prayers during this difficult time.’