Helen Mathers, known for her contributions to the local theatre scene and her commitment to community service, has died.
Ms Mathers was born Helen McCreadie to Herbert and Helen McCreadie. She died on Thursday August 22 at the age of 81.
According to her daughter, Kathryn Mathers, her passion for theatre began at 19 and remained a central part of her life.
She was a member of several local theatre groups, including the Anchor Players, Fish Hoek Dramatic Society, and the Muizenberg Amateur Dramatic Society (MADS).
Her notable roles included the amoral matriarch in The White Sheep of the Family (2006), the haughty empress in Aladdin (2012), and Miss Burgess in Agatha Christie’s Cards on the Table (2017), all performed at The Masque Theatre.
Daniel Enticott, chairman of The Masque Theatre, spoke highly of her impact, saying, “Helen Mathers was a legacy volunteer at The Masque for many years. She was always a familiar face, whether onstage or running front-of-house refreshments. Helen was an integral part of The Masque and will be deeply missed.”
Ms Mathers was also involved in various community activities after moving to Fish Hoek in 2001.
She participated in a women’s aqua aerobics group, volunteered with Meals on Wheels, was involved with the library and read to residents at Nerina Gardens old-age home.
For 15 years, she worked at Simon’s Town Museum as a bookkeeper and schools guide.
“Helen was the bookkeeper at the museum, but her extensive knowledge of Simon’s Town and the navy made her invaluable in education programmes and tours. She also played a key role in organising events, commemorations, and fund-raisers for the museum,” said museum manager Cathy Salter-Jansen.
Ms Mathers had four children – Anthony, Kathryn, Barbara, and James – and seven grandchildren.
“She was known for her bossiness and her stern looks if anyone cut into a queue, but she was extremely loyal and reliable, as shown in her work in the amateur dramatic world, and always ready to help her friends,” said Kathryn.
In her later years, Ms Mathers shared her life with David Biggs, a well-known wine writer, in Fish Hoek.
“We will miss her chocolate squares, her cutting out of interesting newspaper articles, her endless cups of tea, and her updates on the latest book she was reading,” Kathryn said.
