Help Us Honor Madalein Gericke And Establish A Scholarship

Honoring My Mom, Madalein Gericke, with a Memorial Fund

Hi everyone, it’s Lizette.

On February 27, 2025, my mom, Madalein Gericke, passed away rather suddenly after experiencing a cardiac arrest during a routine procedure—leaving behind a lifetime of stories, sharp wit, and a family stretched across multiple countries.

She was a force to be reckoned with—clever, funny, strong-willed, and always up for a good game of Scrabble. She loved a challenge, whether that was running SCOTA’s admin team with precision, reading four books at once, or destroying anyone foolish enough to play Scrabble with her.

This last year, I had the honor of caring for her. It wasn’t always easy, but it was one of the greatest privileges of my life. Walking with her through this season, helping her navigate each medical appointment, being her advocate, and just being present for her is something I will always treasure.

I will never forget her soft and gentle way of saying "Dankie vir al die baie moeite". (Dit was nie moeite nie, Mamma!)

Now, as my father, Dawid Gericke, and sister Carla and I face the realities of saying goodbye, we want to honor her life in a meaningful way—and I need your help to do it.

Why This Fundraiser?

This GoFundMe has two very specific goals, and I want to be transparent about where the money is going:

Helping With Final Expenses – $5,000

This will cover the costs of her cremation and final medical and other expenses. As anyone emigrating from another country understands, particularly when you emigrate in your 60's, what you bring with you is what you have. And what they have is running out. Bless my dad by helping pay for her final expenses and take a significant burden away.

The Madalein Gericke Scholarship Fund – $5,000

The second half of this fundraiser will kickstart an annual scholarship in her name, administered through the South Carolina Occupational Therapy Association (SCOTA)—a place she cared about deeply.

For nine years, my mom worked behind the scenes at SCOTA, making sure things ran smoothly. She was fiercely proud of my work as an occupational therapist, my role as a past SCOTA president, and my focus on dementia care.

Providentially, only 2 days after her sudden passing, I was scheduled to present at the annual SCOTA conference. She asked me every time she saw me when the conference was. In honor of her, I met the obligation of presenting and that was where the idea of a scholarship came to me.

This scholarship will be awarded to a South Carolina occupational therapist specializing in dementia care—helping ensure that other families facing dementia receive the skilled, compassionate support they deserve.

I can’t think of a better way to honor her.

A Family Scattered, But Still Connected

Our family is spread across South Africa, Australia, Canada, and the US—and the last time we were all together was 31 years ago, at my wedding.

This fundraiser isn’t just about raising money—it’s also about giving everyone who loved my mom a place to come together.

A virtual get together.

If you’d like to help, please consider donating.

If you knew my mom, share a story or memory in the comments. She would love knowing that people were still thinking about her, remembering her sharp humor, her mischievous streak, or her endless curiosity.

Whether you knew her from her diplomatic life, her SCOTA years, her art, or simply as a dear friend from somewhere in the world, I’d love to hear your stories.

In Lieu of Flowers

If you’re wondering how to honor her, this is it. Whether you’re helping with final expenses or contributing to her scholarship fund, every donation makes a difference.

My mom believed in big ideas. She believed in showing up, doing the work, and making an impact. And she never, ever believed in making a fuss about herself—so I guess I’ll just have to make the fuss for her.

Thank you for loving my mom. Thank you for being part of her story. And thank you for helping us carry her legacy forward.

With love,

Lizette Cloete (and the Gericke/Calitz/Cloete/Figura Families)