Vale Hendrika Vis

Hendrika’s life was celebrated at a service  on 22 November at her church the Anglican Church in Berwick. Officiating were the Rev Wayne Schuller and the choir’s chaplain Rev Tom Morgan. Members of her large family gave readings and presented emotional and amusing eulogies, all extolling Hendrika’s loving nature, selflessness, stoicism and strong faith. The first congregational hymn Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus was accompanied by Doug Viney on organ and the second – The Power of Your Love – and third – You Raise Me Up – by Rushan Hewawasam on piano.

Rushan then assembled the twenty VicWelsh choristers at the front of the church and conducted them singing the a cappella Sunset Poem. He then explained that Hendrika had left strict instructions about the last number Oh When the Saints Go Marching In.  She wanted the congregation to be rehearsed so that they could join in on the final chorus, the choir singing the entire John Rutter arrangement (accompanied by Lorna Ogilvie and conducted by Rushan) and to reach its finale as her casket was borne out by the family. And, indeed, it all came to pass, exactly as she wanted.

The choir filed out behind the family and, as the hearse’s door closed, Hendrika’s daughters urged the choir to farewell their mother with a final chorus of the Saints which was duly delivered with love and respect for a marvellous lady.