Tributes pour in for Durban teacher, Ilze de Beer
Tributes are pouring in for Durban primary school teacher who passed away recently.
The exact cause of death has not been shared however, it is alleged that she suffered a heart attack.
Penzance Primary School shared a touching tribute to Ilze de Beer.
“It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we pay tribute to the beautiful life of Mrs. Ilze de Beer, whose presence in this world was a gift to all who knew her,” the post read.
The school described de Beer as a guiding light who nurtured young hearts.
“As a Grade 1 teacher, Remedial Specialist and Foundation Phase HOD, she played a vital role in shaping the early experiences of countless children. Her classroom was a space filled with kindness, encouragement, and joy—a place where every learner felt safe, valued, and inspired,” the school said.
The post added that de Beer’s compassion extended beyond the walls of her classroom.
De Beer was an organ donor and according to the post, her “final act of compassion that reflects the very essence of who she was: loving, caring, giving.”
Tributes
“Rest peacefully, Mrs. de Beer. Your legacy lives on—in every life you touched, in every heart that remembers, and in every act of kindness carried forward in your name,” the school said.
“This is so heartbreaking. She was such a ray of sunshine. Her love and brightness were felt not just by the kids but by the parents. Condolences,” commented Kerry Ann Duval.
Slie Meyiwa added, “This is so hard to accept. My daughter is devastated. She was looking forward to her birthday today. What an amazing human being, full of energy, an efficient teacher. Every Sunday evening, she would send us the plan for the week, without fail. Life though.”
“The St Henry’s Marist community extends our deepest condolences to the Penzance family. We hold Ilze’s family and friends, and the entire Penzance community in our prayers at this difficult time,” added St Henry’s Marist College.
Glenmore Primary School commented, “The Glenmore Primary family would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mrs Wayland de Beer’s family and the Penzance family during this difficult time. You are in our thoughts and prayers.”
“So sad you will be deeply missed Mrs Ilze Wayland de Beer! You had such a huge impact on all the people you spoke to or knew! Sending so much love,” said Tarryn Botha.
seanne.rall@iol.co.za
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