Sally Wrench was the heart of her community – a single mother, a dedicated teacher, and a selfless volunteer who gave everything to those around her. Yesterday, she passed away peacefully, leaving behind a legacy of love and a 14-year-old son, Luke, who now needs our help more than ever.
Johannesburg, South Africa (11 January 2025) – In November 2024, we shared the story of Sally Wrench, a remarkable preschool teacher and single mother whose life embodied kindness, resilience, and compassion.
Today, with heavy hearts, we honour her memory. Sally passed away peacefully yesterday morning, just two weeks after her mother, Lynne Wrench, succumbed to renal failure. Sally leaves behind her 14-year-old son, Luke, who has now lost both his mother and grandmother in such a short time.
Sally’s story is one of unwavering love and dedication. Even as she battled stage 4 metastatic melanoma, she worked tirelessly to ensure Luke, her special needs son, had the best possible future. A beloved figure in the Parkview community, Sally was not only a devoted mother but also a preschool teacher who enriched the lives of countless children. Her warmth extended beyond the classroom; Sally was a selfless charity volunteer who gave her time and energy to uplift others.
When Sally’s diagnosis left her with limited time, her greatest concern wasn’t herself but Luke’s future. She continued to work full-time despite her illness, driven by her deep love for her son. Her resilience inspired everyone around her, and her legacy of giving has touched lives far and wide.
The Parkview community rallied to support Sally through a BackaBuddy crowdfunding campaign, with the goal of raising R500,000 to secure Luke’s education and care after her passing. In a moving display of generosity, South Africans have already donated R279,000 to the fund, showing just how much Sally’s story has resonated with people across the country.
As Janita Lawrence, a close friend, shared on the campaign page, “For someone who has given so much to others throughout her life, it’s now our turn to give back.”
The good news in this deeply emotional story lies in the outpouring of love and support that has come together for Luke. Even as the Wrench family faced unimaginable loss, their story has united a community determined to carry forward Sally’s legacy.
Every contribution to Luke’s fund is a step toward securing his future – a future Sally worked so hard to protect.
If you’d like to make a difference, you can still contribute to the crowdfunding campaign for Luke. Your support will not only honour Sally’s memory but also provide hope for a young boy who has faced more loss than most could imagine.
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