Juliana Paton. (1915 – 2007 )

Born 21 December 1915
Died 8 July 2007
Married Norman Muat Paton on 16 October early 1940s

Our mother Juliana Paton was a remarkable lady who had a full and wonderful life.

She was born on 21 December 1915, in the town of Zeerust, one of four children, and daughter to a ships captain and solicitor.

Her family moved to Vereeniging a few years later, where she spent most of her life.
After leaving school she worked at a local furniture store as a bookkeeper, and later on performed bookkeeping duties on a part time basis for the family business and an opticians practice.
She married Norman around the early 1940s, and had four children, Pam, Meredith, Gavin and James. At the time of her passing, she was survived by her four children and their spouses, was grandmother to 8 grandchildren, and 3 great grandchildren, 3 step grandchildren, and about 6 step great grandchildren. We all loved her dearly, as witnessed by the attendance to her funeral.
Her elder sister Patricia, remained alive till 2015, when she passed on at the age of 103.

Other than her family, her interests were music, and art. Regarding her art which was her main hobby, she concentrated mainly in painting water colours, although she also did some oils, pastels, pen and wash, and some pewter work.
She taught many pupils in art over the years, and was highly regarded in the art world and by her pupils for her work.
She was an Associate Member of the Water Colour Society of South Africa for many years.

Regarding music, she played the piano, and had a strong interest in classical music, which we as children always remember with fondness. She also had a great interest in gardening, and all these things kept her busy, while being a wife, mother and friend to us all, raising the family, together with helping run the family business affairs.

Her faith as a devout Christian was the cornerstone of her life, and remained so till the end. Her involvement with the Presbyterian church in Vereeniging all the years was an example of dedication to her faith to all of us. She participated in many church events, and held many art exhibitions, with a large portion of the proceeds usually being donated to the church fund raising efforts.

We, her family were always reminded of firm Christian values, and a common thread of her behaviour at all times was an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Her soft manner, dignified, yet firm behaviour, were values we all carry with us till this day.

In 1984 Norman passed away, and she lived on her own in Vereeniging until about 1993, when she moved to De Aar, to stay with her daughter Pam. She joined the Methodist church in De Aar, and endeared herself to many of the local congregation. Again, she always participated in the various church groups, and fund raising events of the church.

In 2004 she had a fall, and broke her leg, an event which was a tragic blow to her fine health up till that point. She then moved to the De Aar old aged home Sonder Sorge, where the staff took very good care of her until her death. Pam took very good care of mom during this difficult time.

Our mother was a person who conducted her life with dignity and respect for others. Her example to her family and friends will be carried forever. She left her footprints in the hearts of all who knew her. Her legacy continues.

Today we celebrate her passing, comforted in the knowledge that she has gone to be with her maker.
We the family, are grateful to those gathered here today, who have made the effort to share Julianas’ passing with the family. It is sincerely appreciated.