Reiger Park matriarch loses fight against cancer
Lily left behind 126 children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and even great-great-grandchildren.
Reiger Park resident Lily Kivido, a mother of 15 children, died last Sunday at the age of 89.
According to her daughter, Gruschenka Cicero, she fought a brave battle against breast cancer for over 15 years.
“Lily grew up in Aliwal North, Eastern Cape and then moved to Port Elizabeth. Thereafter she relocated to Eldorado Park before moving to Reiger Park about 72 years ago,” said Gruschenka.
“In Reiger Park she was well-known as the local midwife and she also did sewing for her children to survive.
“Every morning one could see her walking the streets of Reiger Park from her house to the flats and again in the afternoon with a grandchild or two.
“After her husband (Tom Kivido) died in 1987, she single-handedly raised her children and never took another husband after him.”
Gruschenka said her mother will be remembered for her inner strength and perseverance.
“Her greatest strength was her belief in God and that He will answer her prayers. She encouraged us when we visit her, instead of us encouraging her,” added Gruschenka.
“Lily was indeed an iron woman and a devoted Christian. She loved and respected herself and was always dressed up.
“The Kivido clan can only thank God for lending her to us, we want to celebrate her life.”
Lily was laid to rest on July 26 at the Rondebult Cemetery and was buried on top of her husband.
