Sithabile Ndhlovu

Goodnight, my darling Aunt Stha. The first time you heard about me you were so happy and that automatically warmed my heart and our bond became instant as if we had known each other for decades. I never knew who my Dad was, never knew my surname until few years back still in my 30s when i went around looking for my partenal family after my Mamncan directed me where to start. When i met aunt Khethi, she was so happy and couldn't wait to share the news with you that kunengane kaKhumbulani ekhaya, his first born. That's when our beautiful journey began. I never felt neing an opharn around you. You loved me and Pri so deeply as if you carried us in your womb my lovely Aunt. I only saw you in person 3 times, but because of whatsapp, and your deep love and care for everyone, it's as if we used to stay together in one house. Owh i thank God for all the times i spent with you, memories created, laughter and well wishes. Not forgetting your voice note when you said mntaka bhudwam, uaunty is out of the hospital now, they have operated me and it was successful, God still wants me to be with you bantwana bakaBhudwam and am so happy, your celebratory mood Nkosiyam last year on the 26th of August 2025. Ngiyakuthanda mntakabhudwam, Aunty loves you, oh these words will forever echo in my heart and ears. You made to know how it feels to be loved by a parent and relative, ngiyabonga Sthandwasam. Everyone who knew you is blessed to have known you and shared the journey of life with you. Our cousins, your children Nkosiyam, oh it hurts Aunt Stha 💔🥹😭😢, Ncane Ndumiso, Aunt Khethi, Pri, ugogo, the list is endless. The heavens are rejoicing, for your heart on this earth was filled with love, kindness, compassion, and grace. You touched so many lives with your gentle spirit, and your love will remain with us forever. Though our hearts are broken by your absence, we find comfort in knowing that you are now at peace in the loving arms of God. Sleep well, my beautiful angel. Until we meet again, you will always be loved, deeply missed, and forever remembered. Love you always, Noma Mthombeni, your twin, as you always called Pri and I twinny. ❤️🕊️

Some people come into your life by blood, and others by love. Gogo Stha was both to so many of us. When I think back to my childhood, my heart always finds its way to Crossroads. Those school holidays weren’t just a break from school—they were some of the happiest times of my life because Gogo made that place feel like home. She stepped into the gap as a mother to us in every way that mattered. We never lacked anything in her care. Whether it was a warm meal, words of encouragement, or simply knowing someone was always looking out for us, Gogo made sure we felt loved. She had the biggest heart and always wanted the very best for us. She loved so many children as if they were her own grandchildren, and none of us ever doubted that love. If you were lucky enough to be loved by Gogo, you knew what unconditional love felt like. And if you knew Gogo, you also knew she had a mischievous streak! 😂 She was so much fun, and she always had our backs. If Dad wasn’t too happy with whatever we had gotten ourselves into, Gogo would somehow find a way to stand up for us. Looking back now, I’m sure we deserved some of those lectures—but having Gogo in our corner made us feel invincible. One of my favourite memories is that my very first business class flight was all thanks to Gogo Stha. That’s who she was. She found so much joy in giving us experiences, spoiling us when she could, and making us feel special. It was never about the luxury—it was about her generous heart and her desire for us to experience the very best life had to offer. As I got older and started travelling to the USA, one thing never changed—Gogo was always one of the very first people to welcome me. Sometimes she’d already be at the airport waiting with that familiar smile, and if she couldn’t make it, she’d make sure to come and see me the very next day. It didn’t matter how many times I’d visited; she always made me feel like I’d truly come home. That kind of love is rare, and it’s something I’ll carry with me forever. As I’ve grown older, I’ve come to realise that so much of who I am was shaped by people like Gogo. Her kindness, her selflessness, her laughter, her fierce love, and the way she always showed up for us are gifts I’ll carry with me forever. Thank you, Gogo Stha, for loving us so completely. Thank you for Crossroads, for the laughter, for the protection, for believing in us, and for making so many of us feel so special. Thank you for every warm welcome, every embrace, and every reminder that family is built on love, not just blood. There is so much I can say about Gogo Stha but that would take me years to fully relay who she was to me and my siblings. Heaven has gained a truly beautiful soul, but our hearts have lost someone irreplaceable. Rest easy, Gogo. Your work here is done, but your love will live on in all of us. You will always be missed, always be remembered, and always be loved. ❤️🕊️

Sithabile. While we mourn her passing, we also give thanks to God for the gift of her life and for the love she shared so generously with all who knew her. Sithabile was born on 7 July 1970 in Kwekwe, Zimbabwe. She was the firstborn child of Faina, a role she carried with pride, strength, and responsibility. As the eldest, she helped pave the way for those who followed, and her love for her family remained constant throughout her life. In 1999, Sithabile moved to Indianapolis, Indiana, where she built a life filled with purpose, hard work, and meaningful relationships. Although she made America her home, Zimbabwe was always close to her heart. She devoted many years of her life to working in the airline industry, a career that suited her adventurous spirit perfectly. Sithabile loved travelling the world. She embraced new places, new cultures, and new experiences with excitement and curiosity. Every journey enriched her life, and she often shared stories that inspired those around her. Through her work and her travels, she connected with people from all walks of life, leaving behind kindness and lasting memories wherever she went. Above all, Sithabile was a devoted mother. She leaves behind three wonderful sons, who were the pride and joy of her life. Everything she did was driven by her love for them and her desire to give them every opportunity to succeed. Her greatest legacy lives on in them, and we pray that they will always remember the strength, wisdom, and unconditional love of their mother. On 23 July 2026, after a brave battle with gallbladder cancer, Sithabile peacefully departed this life. She faced her illness with courage and dignity, reminding all of us what true strength looks like. Though cancer claimed her body, it never defeated her spirit. As her sibling, I have lost more than a sister. I have lost a lifelong friend, a mentor, and someone who always believed in family. Her laughter, her advice, her caring heart, and her unwavering love are gifts that I will carry with me forever. Today, as we remember her, let us not only think about the sadness of her passing but also celebrate the beauty of her life. Let us remember her smile, her adventurous spirit, her dedication to her work, her love for her children, and the countless lives she touched through her kindness. The Bible says in Ecclesiastes 3:1: "To everything there is a season, and a time to every purpose under heaven." Although we wish her season with us had been much longer, we trust that God, in His infinite wisdom, has welcomed her into His eternal home where there is no more pain or suffering. Sithabile, thank you for showing us what it means to live with courage, to love deeply, and to embrace life wholeheartedly. Your footprints can never be erased. Your love will continue to live on in your children, your family, your friends, and in everyone who had the privilege of knowing you. On behalf of our family, thank you to everyone who has supported us with your prayers, your messages, your visits, and your love during this difficult time. Your kindness has been a source of great comfort. Farewell, dear sister. You travelled the world with grace and purpose, and now you have embarked on your final journey into the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. May your soul rest in perfect peace, and may your memory forever be a blessing to us all. Rest in eternal peace, Sithabile. We love you, and we will never forget you.

Trip to Tampa we took pictures of each other

Mom and her kids